Video modification and transmission

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for video transmission. In one example, computer-readable storage media store instructions cause a processor to: generate first motion data; distribute, toward terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via a communication line, the first motion data; receive a web page; receive first operation data from a user interface; generate a second video related to a computer-implemented game on the basis of the first operation data by using the received web page; distribute the second video toward the terminal devices of the plurality of viewer; receive viewer data regarding a plurality of viewers; extract a selected game object out of a plurality of game objects to be used in the game; calculate a control parameter related to the selected game object on the basis of the viewer data; generate the second video including the selected game object; and distribute the second video toward the terminal devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.2020-106956, filed on Jun. 22, 2020; Japanese Patent Application No.2020-110272, filed on Jun. 26, 2020; and Japanese Patent Application No.2020-120525, filed on Jul. 14, 2020, all entitled “Computer Program,Method, and Server Device.” These applications are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety as if set forth fully herein.

FIELD

The technology disclosed in the present application relates to acomputer program, a method, and a server device that are used fordistributing a video related to a game from a terminal device of adistributor to a terminal device of each viewer.

BACKGROUND

As one example of a service used for distributing a video related to acomputer game from the terminal device of a distributor to the terminaldevice of each viewer, a service called mirrativ provided on a websiteidentified by the following URL is known.

-   -   https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/mirrativ-        /id1028944599

With this service, the distributor uses a terminal device to distribute,to the terminal devices of a plurality of viewers, a video including ananimation of an avatar generated on the basis of motion data related tothe motion of the distributor and a video related to acomputer-implemented game generated on the basis of operation datarelated to the operation of the distributor.

SUMMARY

Recently an approach for encouraging users to use a videodistributing/viewing service is needed. Method and apparatus fordistributing and modifying video in a networked computer environment aredisclosed. In some examples of a video streaming service used withcomputer games, each viewer can exchange data with a distributorincluding game metadata, comments, video data, audio data, image data,location data, and/or video or game commands. Each viewer can alsodetermine to transmit one or more messages or packets encoded with oneor more tokens to the distributor. In the disclosed technology field,such tokens may also be referred to as elective tokens or “gifts.”Similarly, token data may be referred to as “gift data.”

Computer-readable storage media according to one aspect of the disclosedtechnology can be “computer-readable storage media storingcomputer-readable instructions, which when executed by a computer havingat least one processor, cause the computer to:”

A method according to one aspect of the disclosed technology can be “acomputer-implemented method for automatically generating customizedvideo in an interactive network application, the method comprising: withat least one processor: generating first motion data with an imagesensor; distributing, toward terminal devices of a plurality of viewersvia a communication line, the first motion data or a first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of a first distributor generated onthe basis of the first motion data; receiving a web page via thecommunication line; receiving first operation data from a userinterface; generating a second video related to a computer-implementedgame on the basis of the first operation data by using the received webpage; distributing the second video toward the terminal devices of theplurality of viewer via the communication line; receiving, via thecommunication line, viewer data regarding at least one viewer of theplurality of viewers; extracting a selected game object out of aplurality of game objects to be used; calculating a control parameterrelated to the selected game object on the basis of the viewer data;generating the second video including the selected game object; anddistributing, via the communication line, the second video toward theterminal devices of the plurality of viewers.”

A terminal device according to one aspect of the disclosed technologycan be “a terminal device, comprising: at least one processor coupled toa camera and a communication network, wherein the at least one processoris configured to: generate first motion data using the camera;distribute, toward terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via thecommunication network, the first motion data or a first video includingan animation of an avatar of a first distributor generated on the basisof the first motion data; receive a web page via the communicationnetwork; receive first operation data from a user interface; generate asecond video related to a computer-implemented game on the basis offirst operation data by using the received web page; distribute thesecond video toward the terminal devices of the plurality of viewer viathe communication network; receive, via the communication network,viewer data regarding at least one viewer of the plurality of viewers;extract a selected game object out of a plurality of game objects to beused in the game; calculate a control parameter related to the selectedgame object on the basis of the viewer data; generate the second videoincluding the selected game object; and distribute, via thecommunication network, the second video toward the terminal devices ofthe plurality of viewers.”

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. All trademarks used herein remain the property of theirrespective owners. This Summary is not intended to identify key featuresor essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intendedto be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Theforegoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosedsubject matter will become more apparent from the following DetailedDescription, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of thevideo distribution system 1 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of thehardware configuration of the terminal device 10 (server device 20)shown in FIG. 1 (and FIGS. 9 and 17)

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a functionof the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a functionof the server device 20 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed inthe video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed inthe video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5C is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed inthe video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of the first video (third video)displayed on the terminal device 10 used in the video distributionsystem 1 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of the second video (fourth video)displayed on the terminal device 10 used in the video distributionsystem 1 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of calculation data included in andata table.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of thevideo distribution system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of afunction of the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of afunction of the server device 20 shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed inthe video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed inthe video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of the first video displayed on theterminal device 10 used in the video distribution system 1 shown in FIG.9.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of the second video displayed onthe terminal device 10 used in the video distribution system 1 shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a view showing another example of the second video displayedon the terminal device 10 used in the video distribution system 1 shownin FIG. 9.

FIG. 16 is a view showing another example of the second video displayedon the terminal device 10 used in the video distribution system 1 shownin FIG. 9.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration ofthe video distribution system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of afunction of the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of afunction of the server device 20 shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20A is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed inthe video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20B is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed inthe video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of the first video displayed on theterminal device 10 used in the video distribution system 1 shown in FIG.17.

FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of the second video displayed onthe terminal device 10 used in the video distribution system 1 shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 23 is a view showing another example of the second video displayedon the terminal device 10 used in the video distribution system 1 shownin FIG. 17.

FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of a screen shown in the terminaldevice of viewer B used in the video distribution system 1 shown in FIG.17.

FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of the fourth video shown in theterminal device of each viewer used in the video distribution system 1shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 26 is a view showing an example of a screen shown in the terminaldevice of each viewer used in the video distribution system 1 shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 27 illustrates a generalized example of a suitable computingenvironment in which described embodiments, techniques, and technologiescan be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is set forth in the context of representativeembodiments that are not intended to be limiting in any way.

As used in this application the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Further, the term“coupled” encompasses mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical, as wellas other practical ways of coupling or linking items together, and doesnot exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupleditems. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “and/or” means any one itemor combination of items in the phrase.

The systems, methods, and apparatus described herein should not beconstrued as being limiting in any way. Instead, this disclosure isdirected toward all novel features and aspects of the various disclosedembodiments, alone and in various combinations and subcombinations withone another. The disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus are notlimited to any specific aspect or feature or combinations thereof, nordo the disclosed things and methods require that any one or morespecific advantages be present or problems be solved. Furthermore,features or aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be used in variouscombinations and subcombinations with one another.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are describedin a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it shouldbe understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement,unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forthbelow. For example, operations described sequentially may in some casesbe rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake ofsimplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in whichthe disclosed things and methods can be used in conjunction with otherthings and methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses termslike “produce,” “generate,” “display,” “receive,” “evaluate,” and“distribute” to describe the disclosed methods. These terms arehigh-level descriptions of the actual operations that are performed. Theactual operations that correspond to these terms will vary depending onthe particular implementation and are readily discernible by one ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure.

Theories of operation, scientific principles, or other theoreticaldescriptions presented herein in reference to the apparatus or methodsof this disclosure have been provided for the purposes of betterunderstanding and are not intended to be limiting in scope. Theapparatus and methods in the appended claims are not limited to thoseapparatus and methods that function in the manner described by suchtheories of operation.

Any of the disclosed methods can be implemented usingcomputer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readablemedia (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as oneor more optical media discs, volatile memory components (such as DRAM orSRAM), or nonvolatile memory components (such as hard drives and solidstate drives (SSDs))) and executed on a computer (e.g., any commerciallyavailable computer, including smart phones or other mobile devices thatinclude computing hardware). Any of the computer-executable instructionsfor implementing the disclosed techniques, as well as any data createdand used during implementation of the disclosed embodiments, can bestored on one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media). The computer-executable instructionscan be part of, for example, a dedicated software application, or asoftware application that is accessed or downloaded via a web browser orother software application (such as a remote computing application).Such software can be executed, for example, on a single local computer(e.g., as a process executing on any suitable commercially availablecomputer) or in a network environment (e.g., via the Internet, awide-area network, a local-area network, a client-server network (suchas a cloud computing network), or other such network) using one or morenetwork computers.

For clarity, only certain selected aspects of the software-basedimplementations are described. Other details that are well known in theart are omitted. For example, it should be understood that the disclosedtechnology is not limited to any specific computer language or program.For instance, the disclosed technology can be implemented by softwarewritten in C, C++, Java, or any other suitable programming language.Likewise, the disclosed technology is not limited to any particularcomputer or type of hardware. Certain details of suitable computers andhardware are well-known and need not be set forth in detail in thisdisclosure.

Furthermore, any of the software-based embodiments (comprising, forexample, computer-executable instructions for causing a computer toperform any of the disclosed methods) can be uploaded, downloaded, orremotely accessed through a suitable communication means. Such suitablecommunication means include, for example, the Internet, the World WideWeb, an intranet, software applications, cable (including fiber opticcable), magnetic communications, electromagnetic communications(including RF, microwave, and infrared communications), electroniccommunications, or other such communication means.

As will be described in further detail herein, certain examples of thedisclosed technology can be used in a networked video transmissionsystem to provide interactive applications, such as games, social media,and other forms of interactive communication. In some examples, tokendata can be transmitted from a viewer terminal device to a distributorterminal device operating concurrently to provide an interactiveapplication. A server at the distributor, or the distributor terminaldevice itself, can process the data to render modified video data thatis encoded by a video encoder and sent to the viewer terminal device.The video encoder comprises a processor (e.g., a central processing unitor a graphics processing unit) configured to generate video files orstreams according to one or more video coding formats. Example ofsuitable video coding formats include but are not limited to: H.264,H.265, VC-1, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4. Rendering and encoding thevideo data at the server allows for interactive applications to beprocessed at the distributor, which can reduce the amount of computingresources required at the viewer terminal devices to render the modifiedvideo data locally. Further, in some examples, the modified video datais transmitted not just to the viewer device that sent token data, butcan also be transmitted to other viewer devices participating in theinteractive application. This can further reduce computing resourcesrequired at each of the additional viewer devices or allow for moreextensive effects to be added to the transmitted video. In addition,certain disclosed techniques allow security and maintenance operationsassociated with interactive applications such as game programs to beperformed at the distributor, further reducing complexity of theapplication.

In the following, various embodiments will be described with referenceto the accompanied drawings. Additionally, common elements as shown indrawings are assigned with a same reference sign. Also, it should benoted that there are cases where an element as shown in one drawing isomitted in another drawing for the purposes of explanation. Further, itshould be noted that the accompanied drawings are not necessarilydescribed to scale. Furthermore, the term “application” can also bereferred to as “software” or “program”, and can be instructions to acomputer that are combined so as to be able to obtain certain results.

I. First Embodiment

1. Configuration of Video Distribution System

In a video distribution system 1 disclosed in the present application,briefly, a user who performs distribution (hereinafter referred to as“distributor”) can distribute, by using his terminal device, a firstvideo and a second video to a terminal device of a user who views thevideo (hereinafter referred to as “viewer”) via a communication line.The first video is a video including an animation of a distributor'savatar generated on the basis of motion data regarding the motion of thedistributor. The second video is a video regarding a game generated onthe basis of operation data regarding the operation of the distributor.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of thevideo distribution system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG.1, the video distribution system 1 can include a plurality of terminaldevices 10 connected to a communication line (communication network) notillustrated, and one or more server devices 20 connected to thecommunication line. Each terminal device 10 can be connected to one ormore server devices 20 via the communication line.

Additionally, as the plurality of terminal devices 10, FIG. 1 shows, forexample, terminal devices 10A to 10E, but one or more terminal devices10 other than them can be used similarly. Similarly, FIG. 1 shows as oneor more server devices 20, for example, a server system 20A (serversystem 20A includes a plurality of servers as described later) and aserver device 20B (web server device 20B), but one or more serverdevices 20 other than them can be used similarly. Additionally, thecommunication line (not shown) can include a mobile telephone network, awireless network (e.g., RF connections via Bluetooth, WiFi (such as IEEE802.11a/b/n), WiMax, cellular, satellite, laser, infrared), a fixedtelephone network, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network(LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), and/or an Ethernet network, withoutbeing limited thereto. In a virtual host environment, the communicationline(s) can be a virtualized network connection provided by the virtualhost.

In an embodiment, the video distribution system 1 can include one ormore studio units 30 connected to the communication line. Each studiounit 30 can be connected to one or more server devices 20 or theplurality of terminal devices 10 via the communication line.Additionally, as one or more studio units 30, FIG. 1 shows, for example,studio units 30A and 30B, but one or more studio units 30 other thanthem can be used similarly.

1-1. Terminal Device 10

As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of terminal devices 10 can include oneor more distributor terminal devices 10 (here, terminal device 10A) andone or more viewer terminal devices 10 (here, terminal device 10B to theterminal device 10E). By having a common configuration, each terminaldevice 10 can be a terminal device for distributing a video (distributorterminal device 10) or a terminal device for viewing a video (viewerterminal device 10).

Similarly, the user using the video distribution system 1 (for example,FIG. 1 shows five users A to E as an example but, needless to say, thenumber of users is not limited to five) can be a distributor in onescene and a viewer in another scene. Therefore, in a certain scene shownin FIG. 1 (hereinafter, sometimes called “first scene”), the user Abecomes a distributor (for convenience, the user A in the first scene issometimes referred to as a “first distributor”) (the terminal device 10Aof the user A becomes the terminal device 10 of the distributor), andthe users B to E become viewers (the terminal device 10B of the user Bto the terminal device 10E of the user E become the terminal devices 10of viewers). On the other hand, in another scene (hereinafter, sometimescalled “second scene”), the user B becomes a distributor (the terminaldevice 10B of the user B becomes the terminal device 10 of thedistributor), and the user A and the users C to E become viewers (theterminal device 10A of the user A and the terminal device 10C of theuser C to the terminal device 10E of the user E become the terminaldevices 10 of viewers). This second scene shall also include a case inwhich not the user B but any of the users C to E becomes a distributor(for convenience, any of the users B to E in the second scene issometimes referred to as a “second distributor”).

In a case of operating as a terminal device (distributor terminaldevice) for distributing a video, each terminal device 10 can execute aninstalled video distribution application (may also be middleware or acombination of an application and middleware. The same shall applyhereinafter). Thus, each terminal device 10 can acquire motion dataregarding the motion of the distributor, and can generate the firstvideo including an animation of a virtual character (avatar) changedaccording to the acquired data. Here, regarding the example shown inFIG. 1, the video generated by the terminal device 10A of the user A inthe first scene in which the user A becomes the distributor is referredto as the first video for convenience, and the video generated by theterminal device 10B (or any of the terminal device 10C of the user C tothe terminal device 10E of the user E) of the user B in the second scenein which the user B (or any of the user C to the user E) becomes thedistributor is sometimes referred to as a third video for conveniencehereinafter. It should be understood that the first video and the thirdvideo are essentially the similar videos, except that the distributors(motion data of the distributors accordingly), which are the basis ofthe video, are different. Therefore, in the explanation in thedescription of the present application, the description of the “firstvideo” can be read as the “third video” in a part referred to as the“first video”.

In a case of operating as a terminal device (distributor terminaldevice) for distributing a video, each terminal device 10 can transmitthe generated first video (third video) to the server device 20 (serversystem 20A) via the communication line. Such the first video (thirdvideo) is distributed from the server device 20 (server system 20A) tothe terminal device (viewer terminal device) 10 for receiving the videovia the communication line. Such the terminal device 10 of the viewercan receive the video by executing the installed video viewingapplication (may also be middleware or a combination of an applicationand middleware. The same shall apply hereinafter).

When operating as a terminal device of the distributor, each terminaldevice 10 can execute a browser function incorporated in the installedvideo distribution application and/or execute an installed web browserapplication. This allows each terminal device 10 to receive a web page(for example, an HTML document, including in some examples, HTMLdocuments encoding code such as JavaScript or PHT code) from the serverdevice 20 (web server device 20B) and to execute a game program includedin this web page. By executing this game program, each terminal device10 can generate the second video in which at least one game object isoperated on the basis of operation data regarding the operation of thedistributor. Here, regarding the example shown in FIG. 1, the videogenerated in the first scene in which the user A becomes the distributoris referred to as the second video for convenience, and the videogenerated in the second scene in which the user B (or may be any of theuser C to the user E) becomes the distributor is sometimes referred toas a fourth video for convenience hereinafter. It should be understoodthat the second video and the fourth video are essentially the similarvideos (videos regarding the same game), except that the distributors(operation data of the distributors accordingly), which are the basis ofthe video, are different. Therefore, in the explanation in thedescription of the present application, the description of the “secondvideo” can be read as the “fourth video” in a part referred to as the“second video”.

When operating as a terminal device of the distributor, by executing theabove-described video distribution application, each terminal device 10can transmit the second video (fourth video) generated as describedabove to the server device 20 (server system 20A) via the communicationline. Such the second video (fourth video) is also distributed from theserver device 20 (server system 20A) via the communication line to theterminal device (viewer terminal device) 10 for receiving the video,which executes the installed video viewing application.

Furthermore, when operating as a distributor terminal device, byexecuting the above-described video distribution application, eachterminal device 10 can receive, via the server device 20 (server system20A), from the terminal device 10 of the viewer viewing the first videoand/or the second video (third video and/or fourth video) distributed bythe terminal device 10 of this distributor, token data indicative ofgiving a token to this distributor, and/or comment data indicative oftransmitting a comment to this distributor. When operating as adistributor terminal device, by executing the above-described videodistribution application, each terminal device 10 can distribute commentdata, via the server device 20 (server system 20A), to the terminaldevice 10 of the viewer viewing the first video and/or the second video(third video and/or fourth video distributed by the terminal device 10of this distributor.

On the other hand, when operating as a terminal device (viewer terminaldevice) for viewing a video, by executing the installed video viewingapplication, each terminal device 10 can receive, via the server device20 (server system 20A), the first video and/or the second video (thirdvideo and/or fourth video) distributed by the terminal device 10 of thedistributor.

When operating as a distributor terminal device, by executing the videoviewing application, each terminal device 10 can transmit, via theserver device (server system 20A) to the terminal device 10 (terminaldevice 10A of the user A as the distributor in the first scene in theexample shown in FIG. 1) of this viewer, token data indicative of givinga token to the distributor distributing the video, and/or comment dataindicative of transmitting a comment to this distributor.

Additionally, the above-described video distribution application and thevideo viewing application can be installed and executed in each terminaldevice 10 as one integrated application or as separate applications.

Each terminal device 10 is any terminal device capable of executing suchoperation, and can include a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone(feature phone), and/or a personal computer, without being limitedthereto.

1-2. Server Device 20

FIG. 1 shows the server system 20A and the web server device 20B as anexample of one or the plurality of server devices 20.

The server system 20A can distribute, to each terminal device (terminaldevice of each viewer) 10, the video (first video and/or second video inthe first scene, and third video and/or fourth video in the secondscene) transmitted by each terminal device (terminal device of eachdistributor) 10 (terminal device 10A of the user A, who is thedistributor, in the first scene and any of the terminal device 10B ofthe user B to the terminal device 10E of the user E, which is thedistributor, in the second scene). Furthermore, the server system 20Acan transmit, to the terminal device 10 of a certain distributor, tokendata indicative of giving a token to the distributor and/or comment dataindicative of transmitting a comment to the distributor having beentransmitted by each terminal device (terminal device of each viewer) 10.

In order to execute such an operation, the server system 20A can, in anembodiment, include a distribution server device 20 a, a first database(DB) server device 20 b, a second DB server device 20 c, and atoken/comment API server device 20 d that are connected to one anothervia the communication line (including a wireless line and/or a wiredline not illustrated).

The distribution server device 20 a can distribute, to the terminaldevice 10 of each viewer, the first video and/or the second video (thirdvideo and/or fourth video) transmitted by the terminal device 10 of eachdistributor. The distribution server device 20 a can receive commentdata regarding the first video and/or the second video (third videoand/or fourth video) to the terminal device 10 of each viewer via thetoken/comment API server device 20 d from the terminal device 10 of eachdistributor, and distribute the comment data to the terminal device 10of each viewer. The distribution server device 20 a can receive tokendata and/or comment data regarding the first video and/or the secondvideo (third video and/or fourth video) transmitted from the terminaldevice 10 of each viewer, and transmit the received token data and/orcomment data to the token/comment API server device 20 d.

The distribution server device 20 a can manage (acquire) various userdata (data on the distributor regarding the first video and the thirdvideo) of each distributor (for example, user A to user E) regarding thefirst video and the third video transmitted by the terminal device 10 ofeach distributor, and store the user data of each distributor in thefirst DB server device 20 b. Furthermore, the distribution server device20 a can manage (acquire) various user data (data on the distributorregarding the second video and the fourth video) of each distributorregarding the second video and the fourth video transmitted by theterminal device 10 of each distributor (for example, user A to user E),and store the user data of each distributor in the second DB serverdevice 20 c. Furthermore, when receiving an inquiry from the terminaldevice 10 of the distributor in a certain scene (for example, the firstscene described above) (for example, in the first scene, the terminaldevice 10A of the user A), the distribution server device 20 a can readdata (viewer data) of each viewer (user B to user E) in the scene (firstscene) from the first DB server device 20 b and/or the second DB serverdevice 20 c, and transmit it to the terminal device 10 of thedistributor. Here, the data (viewer data) of each viewer includesvarious user data (data on various distributors regarding eachdistributor) of each distributor described above stored in the first DBserver device 20 b and/or the second DB server device 20 c.

The first DB server device 20 b can store token data and/or comment data(including both those transmitted from the terminal device 10 of eachviewer and those transmitted from the terminal device 10 of eachdistributor) regarding the first video and the third video received fromthe token/comment API server device 20 d. The first DB server device 20b can store various user data (data on the distributor regarding thefirst video and the third video) on each distributor (for example, userA to user E) regarding the first video and the third video received fromthe distribution server device 20 a.

The first DB server device 20 b can read data (viewer data) on eachviewer (for example, in the first scene, users B to E) who has receivedan inquiry by the distribution server device 20 a, and transmit theviewer data to the distribution server device 20 a.

The second DB server device 20 c can store token data and/or commentdata (including both those transmitted from the terminal device 10 ofeach viewer and those transmitted from the terminal device 10 of eachdistributor) regarding the second video and the fourth video receivedfrom the token/comment API server device 20 d. The second DB serverdevice 20 c can store various user data (data on the distributorregarding the second video and the fourth video) on each distributor(for example, user A to user E) regarding the second video and thefourth video received from the distribution server device 20 a. Thesecond DB server device 20 c can read data (viewer data) on each viewer(for example, in the first scene, users B to E) who has received aninquiry by the distribution server device 20 a, and transmit the viewerdata to the distribution server device 20 a.

When receiving (or automatically) an inquiry from the terminal device 10of each distributor about the token data and/or the comment data on thefirst video and/or the second video (third video and/or fourth video)received from the distribution server device 20 a, the token/comment APIserver device 20 d can transmit, to the terminal device 10 of thedistributor, the token data and/or the comment data to the distributor.Furthermore, the token/comment API server device 20 d can store, in thefirst DB server device 20 b, token data and/or comment data (includingboth those transmitted from the terminal device 10 of each viewer andthose transmitted from the terminal device 10 of each distributor)regarding the first video (third video) received from the distributionserver device 20 a. Furthermore, the token/comment API server device 20d can store, in the second DB server device 20 c, token data and/orcomment data (including both those transmitted from the terminal device10 of each viewer and those transmitted from the terminal device 10 ofeach distributor) regarding the second video (fourth video) receivedfrom the distribution server device 20 a.

The token/comment API server device 20 d can receive, from the terminaldevice 10 of each distributor, comment data regarding the first videoand/or the second video (third video and/or fourth video) to theterminal device 10 of each viewer, and transmit the comment data to thedistribution server device 20 a. Furthermore, the token/comment APIserver device 20 d can store, in the first DB server device 20 b,comment data regarding the first video (third video) received from theterminal device 10 of each distributor. Furthermore, the token/commentAPI server device 20 d can store, in the second DB server device 20 c,comment data regarding the second video (fourth video) received from theterminal device 10 of each distributor.

The example shown in FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which for thepurpose of load dispersion and the like, the server system 20A has fourserver devices including the distribution server device 20 a, the firstDB server device 20 b, the second DB server device 20 c, and thetoken/comment API server device 20 d. However, at least one serverdevice of these four server devices may be integrated with at least oneof the remaining server devices. Each operation of the four serverdevices described above is an example, and for example, the operation ofat least one server device may be replaced with the operation of anotherserver device.

Next, the web server device 20B can transmit, to the terminal device 10of each distributor having accessed, a web page (document createdaccording to HTML, for example, HTML5) in which a game program isincorporated. This game program can execute various operations relatedto the distribution of the video, including the operations exemplifiedbelow, on the terminal device 10 having received and decoded the gameprogram.

-   -   Operation of executing the game;    -   Operation of transmitting the game screen (second video or        fourth video) generated with the execution of the game to the        server system 20A (distribution server device 20 a)    -   Operation of acquiring, from the server system 20A        (token/comment API server device 20 d), the token data and/or        comment data transmitted to the distributor

1-3. Studio Unit 30

The studio unit 30 can be placed in a studio room, a room, a hall, orthe like that is a place where the distributor (performer) distributes avideo. The studio unit 30 can perform the same function as that of theterminal device 10 and/or the server device 20 as described above.

2. Hardware Configuration of Each Device

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of each of the terminaldevice 10, the server device 20, and the studio unit 30 will bedescribed.

2-1. Hardware Configuration of Terminal Device 10

An example of the hardware configuration of each terminal device 10 willbe described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagramschematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of theterminal device 10 (server device 20) shown in FIG. 1 (in FIG. 2,reference numerals in parentheses are given in relation to the serverdevice 20, as will be described later).

As shown in FIG. 2, each terminal device 10 can mainly include a centralprocessing unit 11, a main storage device 12, an input/output interface13, an input device 14, an auxiliary storage device 15, and an outputdevice 16. These devices are interconnected via a data bus and/or acontrol bus.

The central processing unit 11, which is referred to as a “CPU”, canperform operations on instructions and data stored in the main storagedevice 12, and store the results of the operations in the main storagedevice 12. The central processing unit 11 can control, via theinput/output interface 13, the input device 14, the auxiliary storagedevice 15, the output device 16, and the like. The terminal device 10can include one or more such central processing units 11.

The main storage device 12, which is referred to as a “memory”, canstore an instruction and data received via the input/output interface 13from the input device 14, the auxiliary storage device 15, and acommunication line 2 (server device 20 or the like), as well as acalculation result of the central processing unit 11. The main storagedevice 12 can include computer-readable media such as volatile memory(e.g., registers, cache, random access memory (RAM)), non-volatilememory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), EEPROM, flash memory) and storage(e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), magnetic tape,optical media), without being limited thereto. As should be readilyunderstood, the term computer-readable storage media includes the mediafor data storage such as memory and storage, and not transmission mediasuch as modulated data signals or transitory signals.

The auxiliary storage device 15 is a storage device having a capacitylarger than that of the main storage device 12. The auxiliary storagedevice 15 can store an instruction and data (computer program)constituting the above-mentioned specific application (videodistribution application, video viewing application, and the like) and aweb browser application. By being controlled by the central processingunit 11, the auxiliary storage device 15 can transmit these instructionsand data (computer program) to the main storage device 12 via theinput/output interface 13. The auxiliary storage device 15 can include amagnetic disk device and/or an optical disk device, without beinglimited thereto.

The input device 14 is a device that fetches data from the outside, andcan include a touch screen, a button, a keyboard, a mouse, and/or asensor, without being limited thereto. The sensor can include a sensorincluding one or more cameras or the like and/or one or more microphonesor the like, without being limited thereto, as described below.

The output device 16 can include a display device, a touch screen,and/or a printer device, without being limited thereto.

With such hardware configuration, the central processing unit 11 cansequentially loads, into the main storage device 12, an instruction anddata (computer program) constituting a specific application stored inthe auxiliary storage device 15, and calculate the loaded instructionand data. Thus, the central processing unit 11 can control the outputdevice 16 via the input/output interface 13 or transmit/receive variousdata to/from another device (e.g., server device 20, other terminaldevice 10, studio unit 30, and/or like) via the input/output interface13 and a communication network 2.

Thus, by executing the installed specific application, the terminaldevice 10 can execute at least one operation of the following operationsexemplified below, for example (including various operations describedin detail later).

-   -   Operation used for distributing the first video and/or the        second video (third video and/or fourth video)    -   Operation used for receiving the token data and/or the comment        data transmitted from another terminal device 10 to the own        terminal device 10    -   Operation used for receiving the first video and/or the second        video (third video and/or fourth video) distributed by anther        terminal device 10    -   Operation used for transmitting token data and/or comment data        to another terminal device 10

The terminal device 10 can include one or more microprocessors and/orgraphics processing units (GPU) in place of the central processing unit11 or together with the central processing unit 11.

2-2. Hardware Configuration of Server Device 20

An example of the hardware configuration of each server device 20 willbe described similarly with reference to FIG. 2. The hardwareconfiguration of each server device 20 (each of distribution serverdevice 20 a, first DB server device 20 b, second DB server device 20 c,token/comment API server device 20 d, and web server device 20B) can be,for example, one identical to the hardware configuration of eachterminal device 10 described above. Therefore, reference numerals forthe components of each server device 20 are shown in parentheses in FIG.2.

As shown in FIG. 2, each server device 20 can mainly include a centralprocessing unit 21, a main storage device 22, an input/output interface23, an input device 24, an auxiliary storage device 25, and an outputdevice 26. These devices are interconnected via a data bus and/or acontrol bus.

The central processing unit 21, the main storage device 22, theinput/output interface 23, the input device 24, the auxiliary storagedevice 25, and the output device 26 can be substantially identical tothe central processing unit 11, the main storage device 12, theinput/output interface 13, the input device 14, the auxiliary storagedevice 15, and the output device 16, respectively, included in eachterminal device 10 described above.

With such hardware configuration, the central processing unit 21 cansequentially loads, into the main storage device 22, an instruction anddata (computer program) constituting a specific application stored inthe auxiliary storage device 25, and calculate the loaded instructionand data.

Thus, the central processing unit 21 can control the output device 26via the input/output interface 23 or transmit/receive various datato/from another device (e.g., other terminal device 10, studio unit 30,and/or like) via the input/output interface 23 and the communicationnetwork 2.

Thus, the server device 20 can execute at least one operation of thefollowing operations exemplified below, for example (including variousoperations described in detail later).

-   -   Operation used for distributing, to the terminal device 10 of        each viewer, the first video and/or the second video (third        video and/or fourth video) transmitted by the terminal device 10        of each distributor    -   Operation used for transmitting, to the terminal device 10 of        the distributor, token data and/or comment data transmitted by        the terminal device 10 of each viewer to the terminal device 10        of a certain distributor    -   Operation used for transmitting, to the terminal device 10 of        each viewer, comment data transmitted from the terminal device        10 of each distributor to the terminal device 10 of each viewer    -   Operation used for managing and storing token data and/or        comment data transmitted by the terminal device 10 of each        viewer to the terminal device 10 of a certain distributor    -   Operation used for managing and storing various user data        (including data on distributor) of each distributor (for        example, user A to user E) regarding the first video and/or the        second video (third video and/or fourth video) by each        distributor    -   Operation used for transmitting, to the terminal device 10 of        each distributor, data (viewer data) on each viewer of the first        video and/or the second video (third video and/or fourth video)        by each distributor

The server device 20 can include one or more microprocessors and/orgraphics processing units (GPU) in place of the central processing unit21 or together with the central processing unit 21.

2-3. Hardware Configuration of Studio Unit 30

The studio unit 30 is mountable by an data processing device such as apersonal computer and, although not illustrated, can mainly include acentral processing unit, a main storage device, an input/outputinterface, an input device, an auxiliary storage device, and an outputdevice, as with the above-described terminal device 10 and the serverdevice 20. These devices are interconnected via a data bus and/or acontrol bus.

The studio unit 30 having such a hardware configuration can perform thesame function as that of the above-described terminal device 10 and/orthe server device 20.

3. Functions of Each Device

Next, an example of the function of each of the terminal device 10, theserver device 20, and the studio unit 30 will be described.

3-1. Functions of Terminal Device 10

An example of the function of the terminal device 10 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematicallyshowing an example of a function of the terminal device 10 shown in FIG.1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 10 can mainly include a firstvideo generation unit 100 (third video generation unit 100), a secondvideo generation unit 110 (fourth video generation unit 110), atoken/comment processing unit 120, a viewer data acquisition unit 130,an object extraction unit 140, a control parameter calculation unit 150,a communication unit 160, a display unit 170, a storage unit 180, and auser interface unit 190.

(1) First Video Generation Unit 100 (Third Video Generation Unit 100)

The first video generation unit 100 can generate the first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of a distributor on the basis ofmotion data regarding the motion of the distributor. In order to realizethis, the first video generation unit 100 can include an acquisitionunit 102 and a processing unit 104, for example. As described above, thefirst video and the third video are essentially the similar videos,except that the distributors (the distributor of the first video is theuser A, and the distributor of the third video is any of the users B toE), which are the basis of the video, are different. That is, in thefirst scene, the video distributed by the user A is referred to as thefirst video, and in the second scene, the video distributed by any ofthe users B to E is referred to as the third video. The functions of theterminal devices 10, e.g., the functions of the terminal devices 10A to10E are identical. Therefore, it should be understood that the firstvideo generation unit 100 can be read as the third video generation unit100 in a part described as the first video generation unit 100.

The acquisition unit 102 can include one or more first sensors 102 athat acquire data regarding the body of the distributor, and one or moresecond sensors 102 b that acquire voice data regarding an utterance andsinging emitted by the distributor.

In a preferred embodiment, the first sensor can include an RGB camerathat captures visible light and a near-infrared camera that capturesnear-infrared light. As such a camera, it is possible to use oneincluded in True Depth camera of iPhone X (registered trademark), forexample. The second sensor can include a microphone for recording voice.

First, as for the first sensor, the acquisition unit 102 captures thebody of the distributor by using the first sensor placed close to thebody (e.g., face or hand and foot) of the distributor. Thus, theacquisition unit 102 can generate data (e.g., MPEG file) in which animage acquired by the RGB camera is recorded over a unit time inassociation with a time code (code indicating the time acquired). Theacquisition unit 102 can generate data (e.g., TSV file) in which anumerical value (e.g., numerical value of floating point number)indicating a predetermined number (e.g., 51) of depths acquired by thenear-infrared camera is recorded over a unit time in association withthe time code. The TSV file is a file in a format where a plurality ofdata are recorded with data separated by tabs.

As for the near-infrared camera, specifically, a dot projector radiates,to the body of the distributor (performer), an infrared laser that formsa dot pattern, and the near-infrared camera captures the infrared dotsprojected and reflected on the body of the distributor and generates animage of the infrared dots thus captured. The acquisition unit 102 cancompare an image of the dot pattern emitted by the dot projectorregistered in advance with an image captured by the near infraredcamera. Thus, the acquisition unit 102 can calculate the depth (distancebetween each point or each feature point and the near-infrared camera)of each point (each feature point) by using the positional deviation ateach point (each feature point) (e.g., each of 51 points and featurepoints) in the both images. The acquisition unit 102 can generate datain which a numerical value indicating the thus calculated depth isrecorded over a unit time in association with the time code as mentionedabove. The camera (s) that the first sensor 102 a has is indicated withthe reference sign 102 c.

Next, as for the second sensor, the acquisition unit 102 acquires voicerelated to an utterance and singing emitted by the distributor using thesecond sensor placed close to the body of the distributor. The secondsensor 102 b can include at least one microphone 102 d. Thus, theacquisition unit 102 can generate data (e.g., MPEG file) recorded over aunit time in association with a time code. In an embodiment, theacquisition unit 102 can acquire data regarding the body of thedistributor using the first sensor, and at the same time, acquire voicedata regarding an utterance and singing emitted by the distributor usingthe second sensor. In this case, the acquisition unit 102 can generatedata (e.g., MPEG file) in which the image acquired by the RGB camera andthe voice data regarding the utterance and singing emitted by thedistributor using the second sensor are recorded over a unit time inassociation with the identical time code.

The acquisition unit 102 can output, to the processing unit 104, thedata (MPEG file, TSV file, or the like) related to the body of thedistributor thus generated, as motion data, and/or the voice data (MPEGfile or the like) related to the utterance and singing emitted by thedistributor.

For example, the motion data can be acquired using a motion capturesystem. As will be readily understood to one of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of the present disclosure, examples of suitablemotion capture systems that can be used with disclosed apparatus andmethods include optical motion capture systems, including such systemsusing passive markers, active markers, or markerless systems andnon-optical systems, including inertial and magnetic systems. Motiondata can be generated with an image capture devices (such as a CCD(charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxidesemiconductor) image sensor) coupled to a computer that transforms themotion data into video or other image data.

The case where the first sensor includes an RGB camera and an infraredcamera has been described here. However, the first sensor can include,for example, any of the following (A) to (C).

-   -   (A) A camera that detects infrared rays emitted by an infrared        laser and reflected on the face of the performer    -   (B) A plurality of RGB cameras that capture visible light    -   (C) A single camera that captures visible light

In the case of (A) above, the acquisition unit 102 can calculate thedepth for each feature point in the body of the distributor by the samemethod as that mentioned above. In the case of (B) above, theacquisition unit 102 can calculate the depth of each feature point ofthe body of the distributor using a plurality of images captured by aplurality of RGB cameras. In the case of (C) above, the acquisition unit102 can calculate, by using deep learning or the like, the depth of eachfeature point in the body of the distributor from an image captured by asingle camera. In the case of (C) above, the acquisition unit 102 cancalculate the depth of each feature point of the body of the distributorby analysis processing (image processing and the like) for the imagecaptured by the single camera.

The processing unit 104 can generate a video including an animation of avirtual character (avatar of the distributor) on the basis of the dataregarding the body of the distributor from the acquisition unit 102. Asfor the video itself of the virtual character, the processing unit 104can also generate the video of the virtual character by causing arendering unit not illustrated to execute rendering using various data(e.g., geometry data, bone data, texture data, shader data, blend shapedata, and so on) stored in a character storage unit not illustrated.

By using various known techniques, the processing unit 104 can generatea video (e.g., a video in which the facial expression of the avatarchanges in synchronization with the movement of the mouth and both eyesof the distributor, e.g., a video in which the facial expression of theavatar changes in response to lip-sync and gaze tracking with respect tothe face of the distributor) in which the facial expression of theavatar or the like is changed by using the data (data regarding thedepth of each feature point in the body of the distributor) related tothe body of the distributor from the acquisition unit 102.

Any other known technique can be used for generating the first video(third video) including an animation of the avatar of the distributor onthe basis of the motion data regarding the motion of the distributor.Such well-known technology includes a technique referred to as “blendshapes” described in a website specified by the following URL.

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/arkit/arfaceanchor/2928251-blendshapes

When using this technique, the processing unit 104 can adjust eachparameter of one or more feature points corresponding to the motion ofthe distributor among a plurality of feature points of the upper body(face or the like) of the distributor. This allows the processing unit104 to generate a video of a virtual character that follows the actionof the distributor.

(2) Second Video Generation Unit 110 (Fourth Video Generation Unit 110)

The second video generation unit 110 can generate the second videoregarding the game on the basis of the operation data regarding theoperation of the distributor by using the web page received from the webserver device 20B. As described above, the second video and the fourthvideo are essentially the similar videos, except that the distributors(the distributor of the second video is the user A, and the distributorof the fourth video is any of the users B to E), which are the basis ofthe video, are different. That is, in the first scene, the videodistributed by the user A is referred to as the second video, and in thesecond scene, the video distributed by any of the users B to E isreferred to as the fourth video. The functions of the terminal devices10, e.g., the functions of the terminal devices 10A to 10E areidentical. Therefore, it should be understood that the second videogeneration unit 110 can be read as the fourth video generation unit 110in a part described as the second video generation unit 110.

The second video generation unit 110 executes a game programincorporated in the web page received from the web server device 20B.Thus, the second video generation unit 110 can render the second video(game video) related to the game on the basis of the operation dataindicating the operation of the distributor input by the user interfaceunit 190 and at least one game object in which the related controlparameter has been calculated by the control parameter calculation unit150. For example, the operation data can include one or more of thefollowing: data indicative of how the distributor has swiped a touch paddisplay, data indicative of which object the distributer has tapped orclicked, or data indicative of how the distributor has dragged a touchpad display, or other such operation data.

(3) Token/Comment Processing Unit 120

The token/comment processing unit 120 can process token data and/orcomment data transmitted/received regarding distribution and/or viewingof a video. For example, when the terminal device 10 operates as theterminal device 10A of the user A as a distributor in the first scene,the token/comment processing unit 120 can process the token data and/orcomment data transmitted to this user A and the comment data distributed(transmitted) by the user A to the terminal device 10 of each viewer (inFIG. 1, the terminal device 10B of the user B to the terminal device 10Eof the user E). When the terminal device 10 operates as the terminaldevice 10 of the viewer (for example, in the first scene, the terminaldevice 10B of the user B to the terminal device 10E of the user E), thetoken/comment processing unit 120 can process the token data and/orcomment data to be transmitted by this viewer (user B to user E).

When the video distribution application and/or the video viewingapplication is installed in the terminal device 10 (the terminal device10 of the distributor and the terminal device 10 of the viewer), thetoken/comment processing unit 120 can store the token data set inadvance in these applications. The token data can include data such asnames, shapes, colors, and places for the avatars to be attached ofvarious types of tokens, and price data set in advance for each token.

The token/comment processing unit 120 can be implemented with aprocessor coupled to a memory storing computer-readable instructionsexecuted by the processor to process token data/comment data.

Specifically, for example, in the first scene, using the user interfaceunit 190 of the terminal device 10 (the terminal device 10B of the userB to the terminal device 10E of the user E) of the viewers, the users Bto E, who are viewers, can purchase a discretionary token for the user A(the terminal device 10A of the user A, who is a distributor), and thenperform an operation of transmitting the purchased token to the user A.By the operation related to the transmission of a token (also called“token-giving action”) by the viewer, the token data regarding a targettoken is transmitted from the terminal device 10 of the viewer to theterminal device 10A of the user A via the server device 20 (distributionserver device 20 a). Thus, the token/comment processing unit 120 in theterminal device 10A of the user A can execute the processing of readingthe received token data.

(4) Viewer Data Acquisition Unit 130

The viewer data acquisition unit 130 can receive, from the server device20 (distribution server device 20 a), data on each viewer (viewer data)regarding the first video and/or the second video (third video and/orfourth video) distributed from the terminal device 10 of the distributorto the terminal device 10 of each viewer via the server device 20(distribution server device 20 a). The viewer data acquisition unit 130can be implemented with a processor coupled to a memory storingcomputer-readable instructions executed by the processor to acquireviewer data.

Here, the viewer data is user data on each user as a viewer stored inthe server device 20 (the first DB server device 20 b and the second DBserver device 20 c of the server system 20A). That is, for example, inthe first scene, since the viewer is the users B to E, the viewer datain the first scene means the user data on the users B to E. Similarly,in the second scene, when the user B is a distributor, the viewer is theuser A and the users C to E, and hence the viewer data in the secondscene means the user data on the user A and the users C to E. Also whenany of the users C to E is a distributor in the second scene, it is onlyrequired to think in the same manner as when the user B is adistributor.

The user data includes not only data on each user as a viewer but alsodata (distributor data) regarding the distributed video when each userdistributes the first video and/or the second video (third video and/orfourth video) as a distributor.

Here, the data on each user as a viewer can include data on accumulatedpoint or accumulated amount of tokens or points sent (transmitted) as aviewer to a discretionary distributor. For example, focusing on the userC, given that the user C executes any kind of token—giving actions(giving a token (s)) to the user A as a distributor in the first sceneand also executes any kind of token-giving actions (giving a tokens (s))to the user B when the user B is a distributor in the second scene, dataregarding points and token purchase amounts (token-giving actionamounts) associated with the token-giving actions in the first scene andthe second scene can be used as data as a viewer regarding the user C.Regarding other users including the user D and the user E, by managing“data as a viewer” similar to the user C by the server device 20, dataregarding any ranking (e.g., ranking of completion with other viewersfor the total giving amount to the distributor) of the user C as aviewer can also be included as data as a viewer regarding the user C.Such data as a viewer is only required to be managed by the distributionserver device 20 a of the server device 20 and stored in the first DBserver device 20 b and the second DB server device 20 c.

Next, the above-mentioned distributor data can include avatar dataregarding an avatar (avatar of the user A) in the first video and/or thesecond video distributed by the user A as the distributor in the firstscene, for example, and game data regarding the game. Similarly, if theuser B is a distributor in the second scene, for example, theabove-mentioned distributor data can include avatar data regarding anavatar (avatar of the user B) in the third video and/or the fourth videodistributed by the user B as the distributor and game data regarding thegame. Also in the case where any of the users C to E is a distributor inthe second scene, the above-mentioned distributor data can includeavatar data regarding an avatar (avatars of the users C to E) in thethird video and/or the fourth video distributed by any of the users C toE as a distributor and game data regarding the game. The data on thedistributor may include data such as the number of followers (viewerswho follow the video distribution by the user A) of the user A as adistributor, for example, in the first scene, and any ranking (e.g.,ranking of completion with other distributors for accumulated pointearned by the token-giving actions from viewers) of the user A.

The avatar data can include data regarding, for example, avatarattributes and/or items attached or given to the avatar. The avatarattribute can include, for example, the type (occupation) of avatar suchas a wizard, a monk, a high school girl, and a brave, and the characterof avatar such as gentle, rough, dynamic, and laid-back. The avatarattribute may be set individually by each distributor when thedistributor sets the avatar, or may be set automatically by theinstalled video distribution application.

Data regarding the item to be attached or given to the avatar caninclude various items that each distributor has attached to the avatar(or purchased on the video distribution application) or that have beengiven as a token by the viewers viewing the video. Here, the item caninclude things that the avatar can wear such as costumes, protection,and accessories, and game objects such as spells, killer moves, andlife.

The game data can include, for example, game progress data (saved datastored in response to the progress of the game), any title (badge andthe like) given to the distributor (user) in accordance with the gamescore or the game progress, and record data in any game event ortournament.

As described above, the viewer data acquisition unit 130 acquires, fromthe server device 20 (distribution server device 20 a), user data on atleast one of the users B to E as a viewer, the data as the viewer,distributed by the terminal device 10A of the user A as a distributor(first distributor), for example, in the first scene, and (at least apart of) distributor data regarding the third video and/or the fourthvideo distributed by the users B to E (the users B to E distribute as asecond distributor) in the second scene.

(5) Object Extraction Unit 140

The object extraction unit 140 can extract at least one specific gameobject to be controlled based on the viewer data (user data on the usersB to E in the first scene) acquired by the viewer data acquisition unit130, from among a plurality of game objects used in a game generatedbased on operation data related to the operation of the distributor(user A in the first scene). The at least one specific game object to becontrolled can include at least one game object acquired and/or operatedby the distributor in the game. The at least one game object to be“acquired” or “operated” by the distributor in the game can includeitems, equipment, points, rewards, coins, cards, characters, and/oravatars. The object extraction unit 140 can be implemented with aprocessor coupled to a memory storing computer-readable instructionsexecuted by the processor.

(6) Control Parameter Calculation Unit 150

Based on viewer data acquired by the viewer data acquisition unit 130,the control parameter calculation unit 150 can calculate the controlparameter related to the specific game object extracted by the objectextraction unit 140. The specific calculation of the control parameterrelated to the specific game object will be described later. Asdescribed above, the specific game object extracted by the objectextraction unit 140 can include at least one game object acquired and/oroperated by the distributor (user A in the first scene) in the game. Thecontrol parameter calculation unit 150 can be implemented with aprocessor coupled to a memory storing computer-readable instructionsexecuted by the processor.

(7) Communication Unit 160

The communication unit 160 can communicate various data used fordistribution and/or viewing of a video between the server system 20A andthe web server device 20B. For example, when the terminal device 10operates as the terminal device 10 of the distributor, the communicationunit 160 can access the web server device 20B and receive a web page(HTML document) or the like containing a game program used for executinga game or the like. When the terminal device 10 operates as the terminaldevice 10 of the distributor, the communication unit 160 can receiveviewer data regarding at least one viewer from the distribution serverdevice 20 a. Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 operates as theterminal device 10 of the distributor, the communication unit 160 cantransmit the first video and/or the second video (third video and/orfourth video) to the server system 20A, and can receive, from the serversystem 20A (token/comment API server device 20 d), token data and/orcomment data and the like transmitted from the terminal device 10 of theviewer to the distributor. Furthermore, when the terminal device 10operates as the terminal device 10 of the distributor, the communicationunit 160 can transmit, to the server system 20A (token/comment APIserver device 20 d), comment data or the like to the terminal device 10of the viewer. The communication unit 160 may be adapted to communicateusing any suitable technology, including a mobile telephone network, awireless network (e.g., RF connections via Bluetooth, WiFi (such as IEEE802.11a/b/n), WiMax, cellular, satellite, laser, infrared), a fixedtelephone network, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network(LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), and/or an Ethernet network, withoutbeing limited thereto.

When the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal device 10 of theviewer, the communication unit 160 can receive, from the server system20A (distribution server device 20 a), the first video and/or the secondvideo (third video and/or fourth video) and the comment data transmittedby the terminal device 10 of the distributor, and can transmit, to theserver system 20A (distribution server device 20 a), the token dataand/or the comment data to the distributor (terminal device 10 of thedistributor).

(8) Display Unit 170

The display unit 170 can display various data used for distributionand/or viewing of a video. Specifically, the display unit 170 candisplay the first video and/or the second video (third video and/orfourth video) to be distributed, the first video and/or the second video(third video and/or fourth video) having been received, and/or the like.The display unit 170 can also display token data/comment data and thelike transmitted/received between the distributor and the viewer.

(9) Storage Unit 180

The storage unit 180 can store various data used for distribution and/orviewing of a video using computer-readable memory or storage devices.Specifically, the storage unit 180 can store at least a part of variousdata regarding the first video (including data on the distributor),various data regarding the second video (including data on thedistributor), various data regarding the third video (including data onthe distributor), various data regarding the fourth video (includingdata on the distributor), token data and comment datatransmitted/received between the terminal device 10 of the distributorand the terminal device 10 of the viewer, and the like.

(10) User Interface Unit 190

The user interface unit 190 can input, via the user (distributor orviewer) operation, various data used for distribution and/or viewing ofa video. For example, the user interface unit 190 can input, from thedistributor, operation data indicating the contents of the operation bythe distributor when executing the game, and output the data to thesecond video generation unit 110 (fourth video generation unit 110). Theuser interface unit 190 may include a touch input device, such as akeyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screen display, pen, or trackball, avoice input device, a camera, an image sensor, a scanning device, oranother device, that provides user input.

3-2. Functions of Server Device 20

Next, an example of the function of the server device 20 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagramschematically showing an example of a function of the server device 20shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 20 can mainly include acommunication unit 200, a storage unit 210, a token/comment processingunit 220, and a user data management unit 230. These may be included inany one of the distribution server device 20 a, the first DB serverdevice 20 b, the second DB server device 20 c, and the token/comment APIserver device 20 d constituting the server system 20A, or may beincluded redundantly or dispersedly in at least one server device of thedistribution server device 20 a, the first DB server device 20 b, thesecond DB server device 20 c, and the token/comment API server device 20d.

The communication unit 200 can communicate various data used fordistribution and/or viewing of a video between the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor and/or the terminal device 10 of the viewer. Forexample, when operating as the server system 20A, the server device 20can receive the first video and/or the second video (third video and/orfourth video) from the terminal device 10 of each distributor and candistribute the received video to the terminal device 10 of each viewer.When operating as the server system 20A, the server device 20 canreceive token data and/or comment data to the terminal device 10 of thedistributor (the terminal device 10A of the user A in the first scene)from the terminal device 10 of each viewer regarding the first videoand/or the second video, and can transmit them to the terminal device 10of the distributor (the terminal device 10A of the user A in the firstscene). Furthermore, when operating as the server system 20A, the serverdevice 20 can receive comment data to the terminal device 10 of eachviewer from the terminal device 10 of a certain distributor, and cantransmit this comment data to the terminal device 10 of each viewer.Furthermore, when operating as the server system 20A, the server device20 can transmit user data (viewer data) managed by the user datamanagement unit 230 (and stored in the storage unit 210) to the terminaldevice 10 of the distributor (e.g., in the first scene, the terminaldevice 10A of the user A) who has received an inquiry. Furthermore, whenoperating as the web server device 20B, the server device 20 cantransmit, to the terminal device 10 of each distributor having accessed,a web page in which a game program is incorporated.

The storage unit 210 is used for distribution and/or viewing of a video,and can store various user data (including data on each user as a viewerand/or data on a distributor to be described later) received from thecommunication unit 200, the token/comment processing unit 220, and/orthe user data management unit 230. The storage unit 210 can storevarious user data received from the user data management unit 230 foreach user based on the identification ID given to each user.

The token/comment processing unit 220 can process token data and/orcomment data transmitted from each viewer (terminal device 10 of eachviewer) to each distributor (terminal device 10 of each distributor).The token/comment processing unit 220 can also process comment datatransmitted from each distributor (terminal device 10 of eachdistributor) to each viewer (terminal device 10 of each viewer).

The user data management unit 230 can manage, for example, at least onepiece of the following user data (data on the distributor) regarding thefirst video to the fourth video from each distributor (terminal device10 of each distributor), without being limited thereto.

-   -   (a) Avatar data regarding an avatar of a distributor (for        example, the user A in the first scene, and the users B to E in        the second scene) including, for example, the following data.    -   Avatar attribute data regarding the type (occupation) of avatar        such as a wizard, a monk, a high school girl, and a brave, and        the character of avatar such as gentle, rough, dynamic, and        laid-back.    -   Data regarding the item to be attached or given to the avatar,        the data regarding various items that each distributor has        attached to the avatar (or purchased on the video distribution        application) or that have been given as a token by the viewers.        Here, the item can include things that the avatar can wear such        as costumes, weapons, protection, and accessories (e.g.,        headbands, rings, and necklaces), and game objects such as        spells, killer moves, and life.    -   (b) Game data regarding the game of the distributor, including,        for example, the following data.    -   Game progress data (saved data stored in response to the        progress of the game).    -   Data regarding any title (badge, level, and the like) given to        the distributor (user) in accordance with the game score or the        game progress.    -   Record data in any game event or tournament.

The user data management unit 230 can receive appropriate data from thetoken/comment processing unit 220, and can manage, as data on each useras a viewer, the data (user data) exemplified below.

-   -   Data on accumulated point or accumulated amount of tokens or        points sent (transmitted) as a viewer to a discretionary        distributor (for example, focusing on the user C, given that the        user C executes any kind of token-giving actions to the user A        as a distributor in the first scene and also executes any kind        of token-giving actions to the user B when the user B is a        distributor in the second scene, data regarding points and token        purchase amounts (token-giving action amounts) associated with        the token-giving actions in the first scene and the second scene        can be used as data as a viewer regarding the user C).    -   Data regarding any ranking (e.g., ranking of completion with        other viewers for the total token-giving actions amount to the        distributor) of the user as a viewer.

The server system 20A is provided for the purpose of performing afunction of distributing, to each terminal device 10 of the plurality ofviewers, the first video and/or the second video (third video and/orfourth video) transmitted by the terminal device 10 of each distributor.In the terminal device 10 of a distributor and the terminal device 10 ofa viewer having a specific application (video distribution application,video viewing application, or the like) installed, an identification IDis given to each user (regardless of the distributor or the viewer).

The server system 20A relays token data and comment data exchangedbetween each distributor and each viewer.

Therefore, the server system 20A can recognize the above-described dataon each user as a viewer and various user data (data on the distributor)on each user exemplified as described above in a scene (e.g., firstscene or second scene) in which each user (e.g., users A to E in FIG. 1)can be a distributor. That is, by associating the distribution andreception history (log), the token purchase history, thetransmission/reception history of the token data, and the historyregarding the game progress (saved data stored in response to theprogress of the game) with the identification ID of each user, theserver system 20A can manage and store, for each user (for eachidentification ID), the various user data (including data as a viewerand/or data on distributor) on each user exemplified as described above.

When the server device 20 operates as the web server device 20B, thetoken/comment processing unit 220 and the user data management unit 230may be omitted.

3-3. Function of Studio Unit 30

As mentioned above, the studio unit 30 can perform the same function asthat of the terminal device 10 and/or the server device 20. Therefore,the studio unit 30 can have the function of the terminal device 10described with reference to FIG. 3 and/or the function of the serverdevice 20 described with reference to FIG. 4.

When the studio unit 30 is used for the purpose of performing a functionsimilar to that of the terminal device 10 of the distributor, a firstvideo generation unit 300 (third video generation unit 300) (notillustrated) in the studio unit 30 may have a function similar to thatof the first video generation unit 100 (third video generation unit 100)in the above-mentioned terminal device 10, or may have yet anotherfunction added thereto.

4. Overall Operation of Video Distribution System 1

Next, the overall operation executed in the video distribution system 1having the above-mentioned configuration will be described withreference to FIGS. 5A to 7. FIGS. 5A to 5C are flowcharts showing anexample of the operation performed in the video distribution system 1shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of the first video(third video) displayed on the terminal device 10 used in the videodistribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a view showing anexample of the second video (fourth video) displayed on the terminaldevice 10 used in the video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1.

First, a series of steps in which the first video or the third video isdistributed will be described with reference to FIG. 5A.

First, in step (hereinafter referred to as “ST”) 602, in response to theoperation of the distributor (e.g., the user A in the first scene, andthe users B to E in the second scene), the terminal device 10 (e.g., theterminal device 10A of the user A in the first scene, and any of theterminal device 10B of the user B to the terminal device 10E of the userE in the second scene) starts and executes the video distributionapplication.

Next, in ST604, the terminal device 10 of the distributor (e.g., theterminal device 10A of the user A in the first scene, and any of theterminal device 10B of the user B to the terminal device 10E of the userE in the second scene) generates the first video (third video) includingan animation of an avatar of the distributor based on the motion dataregarding the motion of the distributor (the user A in the first scene,and any of the users B to E in the second scene). Thus, as illustratedin FIG. 6, a first video 410 (third video 410) including an animation ofan avatar 400 of the distributor is displayed on the display unit 170 ofthe terminal device 10 of the distributor.

In ST604, the terminal device 10 of the distributor transmits thegenerated first video 410 (third video 410) to the distribution serverdevice 20 a of the server system 20A. From the terminal device 10 ofeach viewer having accessed the distribution server device 20 a byexecuting the video viewing application, the distribution server device20 a can receive a request signal for requesting the first video 410(third video 410) distributed by the terminal device 10 of thedistributor. In response to this request signal, the distribution serverdevice 20 a can distribute, to the terminal device 10 of each viewer,the first video 410 (third video 410) received from the terminal device10 of the distributor. In this manner, the first video 410 (third video410) as illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed also on the display unit 170of the terminal device 10 of each viewer.

Next, in ST606, a case is assumed in which the viewer (e.g., users B toE in the first scene) viewing the first video 410 (third video 410)distributed by the terminal device 10 of the distributor gives (tokens)a token (token G1 as an example here) to the distributor. By operatingthe user interface unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (e.g., theterminal device 10B of the user B to the terminal device 10E of the userE in the first scene), the viewer can select (purchase) the token G1from among a plurality of preset tokens, and can select a command forgiving the token G1 to the distributor (e.g., the user A in the firstscene). Thus, the terminal device 10 of the viewer can transmit, to thetoken/comment API server device 20 d of the server system 20A (via thedistribution server device 20 a), token data indicative of giving thetoken G1 to the distributor. This token data can include, for example,recipient identification data (in this case, the identification ID ofthe user A) for identifying the recipient (in this case, the user A) ofthe token, token identification data for identifying the token (in thiscase, the token G1), and sender identification data (in this case, theidentification ID of the user C) for identifying the sender (in thiscase, for example, the user C) of the token.

By operating the terminal device 10, each viewer (e.g., the users B to Ein the first scene) can also transmit a comment to the distributor(e.g., the user A in the first scene). In this case, the terminal device10 of the viewer can transmit the comment data to the token/comment APIserver device 20 d of the server system 20A (via the distribution serverdevice 20 a). The comment data can include recipient identification data(in this case, the identification ID of the user A) for identifying therecipient (in this case, the user A) of the comment, comment contentdata (e.g., a comment, “Go for it”) regarding the content of thecomment, and sender identification data (in this case, theidentification ID of the user D) for identifying the sender (in thiscase, for example, the user D) of the comment.

Next, in ST608, the token/comment API server device 20 d of the serversystem 20A transmits, to the terminal device 10 of the distributorwithout delay (or every unit time), the token data and/or comment datareceived from the terminal device 10 of the viewer via the distributionserver device 20 a. Thus, the token and comment corresponding to thereceived token data and/or comment data are displayed on the displayunit 170 of the terminal device 10 of the distributor. The token/commentAPI server device 20 d of the server system 20A stores the receivedtoken data and/or comment data in the first DB server device 20 b. Atthis time, the token/comment API server device 20 d may transmit thereceived token data and/or comment data to the distribution serverdevice 20 a. Thus, the distribution server device 20 a can manage dataas a viewer regarding the token and/or comment of each viewer.

Next, in ST610, a case is assumed in which the distributor (e.g., theuser A in the first scene) transmits a comment to all viewers or aspecific viewer viewing the first video (third video). The distributorcan comment to all or a specific viewer by operating the user interfaceunit 190 of the terminal device 10. That is, the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor can transmit the comment data to the token/comment APIserver device 20 d of the server system 20A. The comment data in thiscase can also include the above-mentioned recipient identification data(in the first scene, the identification ID of the users B to E), commentcontent data, and sender identification data (in the first scene, theidentification ID of the user A).

Next, in ST612, the token/comment API server device 20 d of the serversystem 20A transmits, to the distribution server device 20 a, thecomment data received from the terminal device 10 of the distributor,and the distribution server device 20 a distributes this comment data tothe terminal device 10 of each viewer. The token/comment API serverdevice 20 d stores the received comment data in the first DB serverdevice 20 b.

Next, in ST614, the distribution server device 20 a of the server system20A manages, in the first scene and the second scene, user data (data ondistributor) on each distributor (the user A in the first video and theusers B to E in the third video) regarding the first video 410 and thethird video 410, and data (e.g., data on the users B to E viewing thefirst video 410 in the first scene, and data on the users A and C to Eviewing the third video 410 in the second scene) on each viewer as aviewer regarding the first video 410 and the third video 410. Thedistribution server device 20 a can grasp the distribution of the firstvideo 410 and the third video 410, and all pieces of token data and/orcomment data transmitted/received between the terminal device 10 of thedistributor and the terminal device 10 of the viewer regarding thedistribution of the first video 410 and the third video 410. Thus, the(user data management unit 230 of) distribution server device 20 a canmanage (acquire) various distributor data such as avatar data (includingtoken data) regarding the avatar of the distributor regarding the firstvideo and the third video, and the above-mentioned data on each vieweras a viewer in the first video 410 and the third video 410. Thedistribution server device 20 a stores the data (data on the distributorand/or data as a viewer) on each user regarding the first video 410 andthe third video 410 in the first DB server device 20 b. Since a uniqueidentification ID is given to each distributor and each viewer, thedistribution server device 20 a can manage (acquire) user data for eachuser (e.g., for each of the users A to E), and can store each user datain the first DB server device 20 b for each user.

ST602 to ST614 described above are a series of operations thatdistributes the first video 410 or the third video 410 from the terminaldevice 10 of the distributor. ST614 does not necessarily have to beexecuted after ST612, and each time the operations of ST604 to ST612 areexecuted, viewer data related to the operations may be managed(acquired) and the user data (data on the distributor and/or data as aviewer) may be stored in the first DB server device 20 b.

In ST602 to ST614 described above, the series of typical operations thatdistributes the first video 410 or the third video 410 from the terminaldevice 10 of each distributor ends. This series of operations allows theserver system 20A (distribution server device 20 a) to acquire user data(data on the distributor and/or data as a viewer) on each user regardingthe first video 410 or the third video 410.

Next, a series of steps in which the second video or the fourth video isdistributed will be described with reference to FIG. 5B. FIG. 5B focuseson the series of steps that distributes the second video or the fourthvideo. FIG. 5B is sometimes performed following the series of steps inFIG. 5A (in this case, ST614 in FIG. 5A is followed by ST702, which willbe described later) or is sometimes performed independently of theseries of steps in FIG. 5A (regardless of the series of steps in FIG.5A).

First, in ST702, when the distributor (the user A in the first scene,and any of the users B to E in the second scene) taps or the like anicon 420 of “Game” (see FIG. 6) displayed on the display unit 170 of theterminal device 10 of the distributor, the terminal device 10 of thedistributor executes the browser function equipped on the videodistribution application. Thus, in ST704, the terminal device 10 of thedistributor can access the web server device 20B in a state of havingexecuted the video distribution application (e.g., of being capable ofdistributing the first video 410 or the third video 410 to the terminaldevice 10 of each viewer). Therefore, the terminal device 10 of thedistributor can receive, from the web server device 20B, the HTML5document in which the game program is incorporated.

Then, in ST706, the terminal device 10 of the distributor generates avideo (second video or fourth video) regarding the game by executing thegame program incorporated in the received HTML5 document. FIG. 7 showsan example of a second video 500 (fourth video 500) thus generated bythe terminal device 10 of the distributor. The terminal device 10 of thedistributor transmits the generated second video 500 or fourth video 500to the distribution server device 20 a of the server system 20A. Fromthe terminal device 10 of each viewer having accessed the distributionserver device 20 a by executing the video viewing application, thedistribution server device 20 a can receive a request signal forrequesting the second video 500 (fourth video 500) distributed by theterminal device 10 of the distributor. In response to this requestsignal, the distribution server device 20 a can distribute, to theterminal device 10 of each viewer, the second video 500 (fourth video500) received from the terminal device 10 of the distributor. In thismanner, the second video 500 (fourth video 500) as exemplified in FIG. 7is displayed also on the display unit 170 of the terminal device 10 ofeach viewer.

Next, in ST708, the terminal device 10 of the distributor starts andexecutes the game by executing the game program incorporated in thereceived HTML5 document. Therefore, at the same time as the gameprogresses, the terminal device 10 of the distributor distributes thesituation of the game as the second video 500 (fourth video 500) to theterminal device 10 of each viewer via the distribution server device 20a.

The transmission of the first video 410 (third video 410) and the secondvideo 500 (fourth video) in a case where FIG. 5B is executed followingthe series of steps of FIG. 5A will be supplemented. When transmittingthe second video 500 (fourth video 500) generated in ST706 and ST708 tothe distribution server device 20 a, the terminal device 10 of thedistributor may stop the transmission of the first video 410 (thirdvideo 410) to the distribution server device 20 a, or may transmit thefirst video 410 (third video 410) together with the transmission of thesecond video 500 (fourth video 500). The distribution server device 20 adistributes, to the terminal device 10 of each viewer receiving thefirst video 410 (third video 410) by executing the video viewingapplication, the second video 500 (fourth video 500) received from theterminal device 10 of the distributor. In this case, in a case of havingreceived not only the second video 500 (fourth video 500) but also thefirst video 410 (third video 410) from the terminal device 10 of thedistributor, the distribution server device 20 a may transmit, to theterminal device 10 of each viewer, only the second video 500 (fourthvideo 500) or both the second video 500 (fourth video 500) and the firstvideo 410 (third video 410). Thus, the second video 500 (fourth video500) can be displayed on the display unit 170 of the terminal device 10of each viewer in a state of being covered on the first video 410 (thirdvideo 410) as illustrated in FIG. 6 and hiding the first video 410(third video 410).

Next, in ST710, a case is assumed in which the viewer (e.g., users B toE in the first scene) viewing the second video 500 (fourth video 500)distributed by the terminal device 10 of the distributor gives (tokens)a token (token G2 as an example here) to the distributor. By operatingthe user interface unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (e.g., theterminal device 10B of the user B to the terminal device 10E of the userE in the first scene), the viewer can select (purchase) the token G2from among a plurality of preset tokens, and can select a command forgiving the token G2 to the distributor (e.g., the user A in the firstscene). Thus, the terminal device 10 of the viewer can transmit, to thetoken/comment API server device 20 d of the server system 20A (via thedistribution server device 20 a), token data indicative of giving thetoken G2 to the distributor. This token data can include, for example,recipient identification data (in this case, the identification ID ofthe user A) for identifying the recipient (in this case, the user A) ofthe token, token identification data for identifying the token (in thiscase, the token G2), and sender identification data (in this case, theidentification ID of the user C) for identifying the sender (in thiscase, for example, the user C) of the token.

By operating the terminal device 10, each viewer (e.g., the users B to Ein the first scene) can also transmit a comment to the distributor(e.g., the user A in the first scene). In this case, the terminal device10 of the viewer can transmit the comment data to the token/comment APIserver device 20 d of the server system 20A (via the distribution serverdevice 20 a). The comment data can include recipient identification data(in this case, the identification ID of the user A) for identifying therecipient (in this case, the user A) of the comment, comment contentdata (e.g., a comment, “Go for it”) regarding the content of thecomment, and sender identification data (in this case, theidentification ID of the user D) for identifying the sender (in thiscase, for example, the user D) of the comment.

Next, in ST712, the token/comment API server device 20 d of the serversystem 20A transmits, to the terminal device 10 of the distributorwithout delay (or every unit time), the token data and/or comment datareceived from the terminal device 10 of the viewer via the distributionserver device 20 a. Thus, the token and comment corresponding to thereceived token data and/or comment data are displayed on the displayunit 170 of the terminal device 10 of the distributor. The token/commentAPI server device 20 d of the server system 20A stores the receivedtoken data and/or comment data in the second DB server device 20 c. Atthis time, the token/comment API server device 20 d may transmit thereceived token data and/or comment data to the distribution serverdevice 20 a. Thus, the distribution server device 20 a can manage dataas a viewer regarding the token and/or comment of each viewer.

Next, in ST714, a case is assumed in which the distributor (e.g., theuser A in the first scene) transmits a comment to all viewers or aspecific viewer viewing the second video 500 (fourth video 500). Thedistributor can comment to all or a specific viewer by operating theuser interface unit 190 of the terminal device 10. That is, the terminaldevice 10 of the distributor can transmit the comment data to thetoken/comment API server device 20 d of the server system 20A. Thecomment data in this case can also include the above-mentioned recipientidentification data (in the first scene, the identification ID of theusers B to E), comment content data, and sender identification data (inthe first scene, the identification ID of the user A). The commentcontent data on the distributor to the viewer viewing the second video500 (or fourth video 500) includes “Avatar in rare costume wanted!” and“Avatar in blue headband wanted!”. By distributing the comment data asdescribed above, the distributor can invite a user having an avatarmatching the comment data as a viewer of the second video 500 (fourthvideo 500) distributed by the distributor. If the avatar of the viewerviewing the second video 500 (or the fourth video 500) does not matchcomment content of the distributor when receiving the comment content,it is assumed that the viewer changes the setting of the avatar asappropriate so that the avatar of the viewer wears a costume or an itemmatching the comment content of the distributor while maintaining thestate of viewing the second video 500 (or the fourth video 500).Furthermore, in a case where the avatar of the viewer viewing the secondvideo 500 (or the fourth video 500) does not match the comment contentof the distributor when receiving the comment content and does not havea costume or an item matching the comment content, the viewer maypurchase a costume or an item matching the comment content of thedistributor on the video distribution system 1 and then perform settingso that the purchased costume or the item is put on to the avatar of theviewer while maintaining the state of viewing the second video 500 (orthe fourth video 500). For the viewer to change the avatar setting, theviewer may execute processing of temporarily cancelling the state ofviewing the second video 500 (or the fourth video 500) withoutmaintaining and then returning to the state of viewing again.

In order to invite a viewer having an avatar satisfying a predeterminedcondition as described above, the distributor may transmit data, forexample, the above-mentioned comment contents (“Avatar in rare costumewanted!” and “Avatar in blue headband wanted!”) via a generally knownsocial networking service (SNS).

Next, in ST716, the token/comment API server device 20 d of the serversystem 20A transmits, to the distribution server device 20 a, thecomment data received from the terminal device 10 of the distributor,and the distribution server device 20 a distributes this comment data tothe terminal device 10 of each viewer. The token/comment API serverdevice 20 d stores the received comment data in the first DB serverdevice 20 b.

Next, in ST718, the distribution server device 20 a of the server system20A manages, in the first scene and the second scene, user data (data ondistributor) on each distributor (the user A in the first video and theusers B to E in the third video) regarding the second video 500 and thefourth video 500, and data (e.g., data on the users B to E viewing thesecond video 500 in the first scene, and data on the users A and C to Eviewing the fourth video 500 in the second scene) on each viewer as aviewer regarding the second video 500 and the fourth video 500. Thedistribution server device 20 a can grasp the distribution of the secondvideo 500 and the fourth video 500, and all pieces of token data and/orcomment data transmitted/received between the terminal device 10 of thedistributor and the terminal device 10 of the viewer regarding thedistribution of the second video 500 and the fourth video 500. Thus, the(user data management unit 230 of) distribution server device 20 a canmanage (acquire) various distributor data such as avatar data (includingtoken data) regarding the avatar of the distributor regarding the secondvideo 500 and the fourth video 500 and game data regarding the game, andthe above-mentioned data on each viewer as a viewer in the second video500 and the fourth video 500. The distribution server device 20 a storesthe data (data on the distributor and/or data as a viewer) on each userregarding the second video 500 and the fourth video 500 in the second DBserver device 20 c. Since a unique identification ID is given to eachdistributor and each viewer, the distribution server device 20 a canmanage (acquire) user data for each user (e.g., for each of the users Ato E), and can store each user data in the second DB server device 20 cfor each user.

ST702 to ST718 described above are a series of operations thatdistributes the second video 500 or the fourth video 500 from theterminal device 10 of the distributor. ST718 does not necessarily haveto be executed after ST716, and each time the operations of ST706 toST716 are executed, viewer data related to the operations may be managed(acquired) and the user data (data on the distributor and/or data as aviewer) may be stored in the second DB server device 20 c.

In ST702 to ST718 described above, the series of typical operations thatdistributes the second video 500 or the fourth video 500 from theterminal device 10 of each distributor ends. This series of operationsallows the server system 20A (distribution server device 20 a) toacquire user data (data on the distributor and/or data as a viewer) oneach user regarding the second video 500 or the fourth video 500.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5C, a series of steps in which the secondvideo 500 or the fourth video 500 is distributed will be described on anassumption that user data (data on the distributor and/or data as aviewer) on each user has been acquired by the server system 20A(distribution server device 20 a) through the series of operations inFIGS. 5A and 5B, and the user data (data on the distributor and/or dataas a viewer) on each user has been stored in the first DB server device20 b and the second DB server device 20 c. That is, the series ofoperations shown in FIG. 5C is executed on the assumption that after theoperation of at least any one of FIGS. 5A and 5B has been executed, theseries of operations shown in FIG. 5C is executed continuously (incontinuity with the series of operations in FIG. 5A and/or 5B) orindependently (discontinuously from FIGS. 5A and 5B). As an example,FIG. 5C focuses on a case of being executed independently with respectto FIGS. 5A and 5B.

First, ST802 to ST808 are the same as ST702 to ST708 in FIG. 5B,detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, in ST810, when the terminal device 10 (in the first scene, theterminal device 10A of the user A) of the distributor makes an inquiryto the distribution server device 20 a of the server system 20A aboutviewer data on the viewer (users B to E in the first scene) viewing thesecond video 500 or the fourth video 500 (the second video 500 in thefirst scene) distributed by the terminal device 10, the distributionserver device 20 a reads user data on each viewer (in the first scene,viewer data on the users B to E who are viewers, e.g., the data on theabove-mentioned distributor of the users B to E and/or theabove-mentioned data as viewer) stored in the first DB server device 20b and/or the second DB server device 20 c. Thus, the terminal device 10of the distributor can receive the user data on at least one of theviewers from the distribution server device 20 a. Additionally, thetransmission of the user data on the viewer from the distribution serverdevice 20 a to the terminal device 10 of the distributor does notnecessarily have to be based on the above-mentioned inquiry from theterminal device 10 of the distributor, and may be automaticallyperformed at predetermined time intervals, for example, from thedistribution server device 20 a to the terminal device 10 of thedistributor. Thus, the terminal device 10 of the distributor can alwaysacquire the latest user data on each viewer viewing the second video 500or the fourth video 500 when the number of viewers increases ordecreases with the progress (lapse of time) of the game by thedistributor.

In ST810, in response to the inquiry from the terminal device 10 of thedistributor, the distribution server device 20 a may read only the userdata on each viewer regarding the first video 410 or the third video 410stored in the first DB server device 20 b, may read only the user dataon each viewer regarding the second video 500 or the fourth video 500stored in the second DB server device 20 c, or may read both of them.Specifically, for example, in the first scene, in response to theinquiry from the terminal device 10A of the user A, the distributionserver device 20 a may read only the user data on the users B to Eregarding the first video 410 or the third video 410 stored in the firstDB server device 20 b, may read only the user data on the users B to Eregarding the second video 500 or the fourth video 500 stored in thesecond DB server device 20 c, or may read both of them. Here, the userdata on each viewer regarding the first video 410 and the third video410 is stored in the first DB server device 20 b by ST614 in FIG. 5A.The user data on each viewer regarding the second video 500 and thefourth video 500 is stored in the second DB server device 20 c by ST718in FIG. 5B.

Next, in ST812, the terminal device 10 of the distributor (in the firstscene, the terminal device 10A of the user A) having received the userdata on each viewer from the distribution server device 20 a calculatesthe control parameter related to the specific game object to becontrolled from among the plurality of game objects used in the gamebased on (at least a part of) the received viewer data (of at least oneviewer). Here, the specific game object to be controlled can include atleast one game object acquired and/or operated by the distributor in thegame. The at least one game object to be “acquired” or “operated” by thedistributor in the game can include items, equipment, points, rewards,coins, cards, characters, and/or avatars (including the avatar of thedistributor). The details of the calculation of the control parametersrelated to the specific game object will be described later in aspecific example of the second video 500 (fourth video 500).

Thus, in ST814, the terminal device 10 of the distributor can generatethe second video (game) 500 in which the control parameters related tothe specific game object are calculated, and can distribute thegenerated second video 500 to the terminal device 10 of each viewer viathe server system 20A (distribution server device 20 a). The details ofthe game screen on which the control parameters related to the specificgame object are calculated will be described later in the specificexample of the second video 500 (fourth video 500).

Next, in ST816, when the terminal device 10 of the distributor continuesthe game, the processing of ST810 to ST814 described above can berepeated. On the other hand, if the terminal device 10 of thedistributor does not continue the game, the processing ends.

5. Specific Example of Second Video 500 (Fourth Video 500)

Next, a specific example of the second video 500 (fourth video 500) willbe described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 8 is a view showingan example of calculation data included in an data table. FIG. 7 shows,as an example, a scene in which the second video 500 (fourth video 500)regarding a fighting game (one type of action game) being played by thedistributor is displayed on the terminal device 10 of the distributorand displayed on the terminal device 10 of each viewer by ST814described above.

In this game, as shown in FIG. 7, the distributor plays against a foecharacter 502 by operating an avatar (or character) 501 of thedistributor. The avatar 501 of the distributor basically aims to defeatthe foe character 502 by performing various attacks such as punches andkicks. The foe character may be preset in the game program, or may be anavatar of another distributor (e.g., distributor X) if the game is afighting game between a plurality of distributors.

The terminal device 10 of the distributor can control at least one gameobject used in this game based on the viewer data (user data on theviewer) received from the distribution server device 20 a of the serversystem 20A in ST810 described above. Specifically, the terminal device10 of the distributor can first extract a game object to be controlled(“specific game object”) from among a plurality of game objects used inthe game. The terminal device 10 of the distributor can calculate thecontrol parameter related to the extracted specific game object based onthe received viewer data.

The viewer data received by the terminal device 10 of the distributor inST810 described above can include at least one of the followingexamples. It should be noted that the following examples may be thelatest user data on each viewer at the time point when the processing ofST810 is executed, or may be past user data traced back for apredetermined period (e.g., within a week) from the time point.

-   -   (a) User data on each viewer that is avatar data regarding at        least any of the avatars of the first to fourth videos in a case        where each viewer distributes as a distributor (e.g., the user A        in the first scene, and the users B to E in the second scene),        and includes, for example, the following data.    -   Avatar attribute data regarding the type (occupation) of avatar        such as a wizard, a monk, a high school girl, and a brave, and        the character of avatar such as gentle, rough, dynamic, and        laid-back.    -   Data regarding the item to be attached or given to the avatar,        the data regarding various items that each distributor has        attached to the avatar (or purchased on the video distribution        application) or that have been given as a token by the viewers.        Here, the item can include things that the avatar can wear such        as costumes, weapons, protection, and accessories (e.g.,        headbands, rings, and necklaces), and game objects such as        spells, killer moves, and life.    -   (b) User data on each viewer that is game data regarding the        game of the second video or the fourth video in a case where        each viewer distributes as a distributor (e.g., the user A in        the first scene, and the users B to E in the second scene), and        includes, for example, the following data.    -   Game progress data (saved data stored in response to the        progress of the game).    -   Data regarding any title (badge, level, and the like) given to        the distributor (user) in accordance with the game score or the        game progress.    -   Record data in any game event or tournament.    -   (c) User data on each viewer, including data on each viewer as a        viewer, for example, as exemplified below.    -   Data on accumulated point or accumulated amount of tokens or        points sent (transmitted) as a viewer to a discretionary        distributor (for example, focusing on the user C, given that the        user C executes any kind of token-giving actions (giving a token        (s)) to the user A as a distributor in the first scene and also        executes any kind of token-givinig actions (giving a token (s))        to the user B when the user B is a distributor in the second        scene, data regarding points and token purchase amounts        (token-givinig action amounts) associated with the token-giving        actions in the first scene and the second scene can be used as        data as a viewer regarding the user C).    -   Data regarding any ranking (e.g., ranking of completion with        other viewers for the total token-giving action amount to the        distributor) of the user as a viewer.

In order for the terminal device 10 of the distributor to extract aspecific game object to be controlled from among the plurality of gameobjects, in one embodiment, an data table 1000 (see FIG. 8) receivedfrom the web server device 20B and/or the (distribution server device 20a of the) server system 20A can be used. This data table can includecalculation data indicating, in association with each game, how tocalculate (mainly, but not limited to, increase or decrease) whichcontrol parameter of each specific game object, based on which viewerdata. The terminal device 10 of the distributor can identify at leastone specific game object by searching the data table by using thecurrently executed game as a search key, and can identify how tocalculate the control parameter related to the specific game object.Additionally, the terminal device 10 of the distributor may identify atleast one specific game object related to the currently executed game,identify in advance viewer data that becomes an assumption forcalculating the specific game object, and make an inquiry to thedistribution server device 20 a for that effect so as to receive onlythe viewer data from the distribution server device 20 a.

With reference to FIG. 8, for example, in a fighting game A (see FIG. 7,for example), an avatar of the distributor (in FIG. 7, the avatar 501 ofthe distributor) and a friend character are extracted as specific gameobjects. In the data table, “attack power” and “defense power” are setas control parameters related to the avatar of the distributor, and“number of appearances” is set as control parameters related to thefriend character. Regarding viewer data on each viewer (user data oneach viewer) acquired by the terminal device 10 of the distributor, if“two avatars with dynamic characteristics” are acquired (e.g., in thefirst scene, for example, the avatars of two of the users B to E have adynamic character), the “attack power” is calculated so that the “attackpower” of the avatar of the distributor becomes “double”. Regardingviewer data on each viewer (user data on each viewer) acquired by theterminal device 10 of the distributor, if “four avatars having a weapon‘Japanese sword’ are acquired (e.g., in the first scene, for example, acase in which all the avatars of the users B to E are equipped with orgiven a Japanese sword), the “Japanese sword” is added as a weapon ofthe avatar of the distributor (see reference numeral 505 in FIG. 7), andthe “attack power” of the avatar of the distributor is calculated sothat the “attack power” becomes “four times”.

Referring to FIG. 8, regarding viewer data on each viewer (user data oneach viewer) acquired by the terminal device 10 of the distributor, if“two avatars in rare costumes” are acquired (e.g., in the first scene,for example, a case in which the costumes of the two avatars of theusers B to E are so unique that other users do not have), “defensepower” is calculated so that the “defense power” of the avatar of thedistributors becomes “double”. Regarding viewer data on each viewer(user data on each viewer) acquired by the terminal device 10 of thedistributor, when “four avatars wearing gold necklaces” are acquired(e.g., in the first scene, for example, a case in which all the avatarsof the users B to E wear or are attached with gold necklaces), “defensepower” is calculated so that the “defense power” of the avatars of thedistributor becomes “four times”.

Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 8, regarding viewer data on eachviewer (user data on each viewer) acquired by the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor, if viewer data that is “two viewers have reached alevel T (T is a discretionarily set integer used generally in games) ofthe fighting game A” is acquired (e.g., in the first scene, for example,a case in which any two of the users B to E have reached the level T ofthe fighting game A), one “friend character” is added (given).Furthermore, regarding viewer data on each viewer (user data on eachviewer) acquired by the terminal device 10 of the distributor, if viewerdata that is “one viewer is the winner of a fighting game tournament P”is acquired (e.g., in the first scene, for example, a case in which anyone of the users B to E is the winner of the tournament P), one “friendcharacter” is added (given). In FIG. 7, friend characters 503 and 504are displayed as a result of satisfying both of the two conditionsregarding the “friend character” (the user B and the user C have alreadyreached the level T in the fighting game A, and the user E is the winnerof the tournament P). The friend character means a character that plays(fights) against the foe character 502 in favor of the avatar of thedistributor.

Furthermore, referring to FIG. 8, in a case where the distributordistributes the second video 500 (fourth video 500) regarding arole-playing game B, it is set in the data table 1000 that a new “spell”and a “killer move” can be acquired by acquiring viewer data such as“three avatars of wizards” and viewer data such as “ten avatars wearingthe same headbands (e.g., ten viewers have avatars wearing the sameheadbands)”, regarding viewer data on each viewer (user data on eachviewer) acquired by the terminal device 10 of the distributor.

The above-mentioned “attack power” becoming “double” or “four times”means that in FIG. 7, when the avatar 501 of the distributor attacks thefoe character 502, an energy gauge 520 of the foe character is reducedby double or four times compared to the normal state. The “defense”becoming “double” or “four times” as shown in FIG. 8 means that in FIG.7, when the avatar 501 of the distributor is attacked by the foecharacter 502, an energy gauge 510 of the avatar 501 of the distributoris reduced by only ½ or ¼ times the normal state.

As shown in FIG. 8, the specific game object described above is notlimited to the avatar of the distributor or the like, and can be variousthings depending on the type of game, for example, such as equipment,points, rewards, coins, and cards. For example, the avatar data(“dynamic character,” “rare costume,” “wizard,” “wearing the sameheadbands”, and the like) shown in FIG. 8 may be only regarding thefirst video 410 (third video 410), may be only regarding the secondvideo 500 (fourth video 500), or may be the sum (total) of the both ofthat regarding the first video 410 (third video 410) and that regardingthe second video 500 (fourth video 500). In the calculation method basedon viewer data as shown in FIG. 8, for example, a plurality ofthresholds (in this case, 10 and 20 correspond to the thresholds) may beprovided for viewer data so that a new killer move A is given uponacquiring the viewer data that is “ten avatars wear the same headbands(e.g., ten viewers have avatars wearing the same headbands)”, and a newkiller move B is given upon acquiring the viewer data that is “20avatars wear the same headbands (e.g., 20 viewers have avatars wearingthe same headbands)”.

It is possible to regard that calculating the control parameters relatedto the particular game object based on at least one piece of viewer datameans, in other words, occurrence of at least one of the followingevents that would be more advantageous for the distributor.

-   -   Reduce the difficulty level of the game.    -   Allow the distributor to acquire more game objects (characters,        points, rewards, and the like).    -   Allow the distributor to acquire more valuable game objects        (rarer items, higher points and rewards, and the like).

As shown in FIG. 7, in distributing the second video 500 (fourth video500), comment data (ST710 to ST716 described above) exchanged betweenthe terminal device 10 of the distributor and the terminal device 10 ofeach viewer is displayed in a comment region 530 on the display unit 170of the terminal device 10 of the distributor and the terminal device 10of each viewer. FIG. 7 illustrates the first scene in which the user Ais a distributor and the users B to E are viewers. As shown in thecomment region 530 of FIG. 7, in the first scene, the user A is given atoken from the user D, but it is needless to say that this token data(type of token and the like) is managed by the server system 20A(distribution server device 20 a) and stored in the second DB serverdevice 20 c as user data on the user A. Therefore, after the first sceneshown in FIG. 7, for example, in the second scene, in a case where theuser B distributes the fourth video 500 and in a case where the user Aviews the fourth video 500 distributed by the user B, the token data aretransmitted to the terminal device 10B of the user B as user data on theuser A as a viewer.

6. Variations

In the various embodiments described above, the case in which theterminal device 10 of the distributor distributes the second video 500(fourth video) regarding the fighting game has been described. However,the terminal device 10 of the distributor can distribute the secondvideo 500 (fourth video 500) regarding a discretionary game. Thediscretionary game can include, for example, action games, simulationgames, role-playing games, card games, puzzle games, shooter games, quizgames, social simulation games, board games, loot box games, and/orsports games, without being limited thereto.

In one embodiment as described above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8,the specific game object is an avatar of the distributor and friendcharacter as an example, but the present invention is not limited tothis, and may be, for example, the foe character 502. In this case, ifthe control parameter of the foe character 502 is “attack power”, theattack power may be calculated to be ½ or ¼.

The calculation of control parameter shown in FIG. 8 is merely anexample, and may be set in more detail.

In the various embodiments described above, the case in which in orderto generate a video (second video 500 or fourth video 500) regarding thegame, the terminal device 10 of the distributor receives, from the webserver device 20B, an HTML (HTML5, in particular) document in which agame program is incorporated has been described. However, instead of theconfiguration of receiving, from the web server device 20B, an HTMLdocument in which a game program is incorporated, the terminal device 10of the distributor can also generate the second video 500 (fourth video500) including a screen regarding the game by executing the installedvideo distribution application and receiving appropriate data from adata server device not illustrated (or a certain server device notillustrated included in the server system 20A).

In the various embodiments described above, the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor may be a smartphone or the like used by a general useror may be a dedicated terminal device placed in a studio or the like. Inthis case, at least one server device of the distribution server device20 a, the first DB server device 20 b, the second DB server device 20 c,and the token/comment API server device 20 d (furthermore, the webserver device 20B) included in the server system 20A may be providedtogether with the dedicated terminal device in the studio or the like.

In the various embodiments described above, the case in which, on thebasis of motion data regarding the motion of the distributor and voicedata regarding the voice of the distributor, the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor generates the first video 410 (third video 410)including the animation including the avatar of this distributor, andtransmits the first video 410 (third video 410) to the server device 20(server system 20A) has been described. However, the terminal device 10of the distributor may transmit the motion data regarding the motion ofthe distributor and the voice data regarding the voice of thedistributor to the server device 20, and the server device 20 maygenerate the first video 410 (third video 410) on the basis of themotion data and the voice data and distribute the first video 410 (thirdvideo 410) to the terminal device 10 of each viewer. This can reduce theamount of data transmitted from the terminal device 10 of thedistributor to the server system 20A.

Alternatively, the terminal device 10 of the distributor may transmitthe motion data regarding the motion of the distributor and the voicedata regarding the voice of the distributor to a separately providedserver device, this separate server device may generate the first video410 (third video 410) on the basis of the motion data and the voice dataand return it to the terminal device 10 of the distributor, and theterminal device 10 of the distributor may transmit the received firstvideo 410 (third video 410) to the server device 20 (server system 20A).This can reduce the amount of data transmitted from the terminal device10 of the distributor to the separately provided server device.

Furthermore, the terminal device 10 of the distributor may transmit themotion data regarding the motion of the distributor and the voice dataregarding the voice of the distributor to the terminal device 10 of eachviewer via the server device 20 (server system 20A) or the separatelyprovided server device, and the terminal device 10 of each viewer maygenerate (render) and display the first video 410 (third video 410) onthe basis of the received motion data and voice data (this technique issometimes referred to as “client rendering”). This can reduce the amountof data transmitted from the server device 20 (server system 20A) or theseparately provided server device to the terminal device 10 of eachviewer.

In any of the above cases, the generation of the first video 410 (thirdvideo 410) on the basis of the motion data and the voice datatransmitted by the terminal device 10 of the distributor may be sharedby at least two devices from among the server device 20, the separateserver device, and the terminal device 10 of each viewer. In eithercase, the device responsible for generation of the video can receive andstore data (image and the like) regarding the avatar to be operatedfrom, for example, the server device 20 or the like.

In the various embodiments described above, the motion of each of theterminal devices 10 described above can be executed similarly by thestudio unit 30 having a similar configuration to that of the terminaldevice 10. In this case, the studio unit 30A illustrated in FIG. 1 canhave a similar function to that of the terminal device 10 fordistributing a video. Similarly, the studio unit 30B illustrated in FIG.1 can have a similar function to that of the terminal device 10 forviewing a video. The motion of each of the server devices 20 mentionedabove can be executed also by the studio unit 30 having the similarconfiguration to that of the server device 20.

In general, if a game program is installed in the terminal device 10, orif a game program is incorporated in a video distribution applicationinstalled in the terminal device 10, execution of a new game requiresthe terminal device 10 to have a new game program or video distributionapplication installed. In this case, from the point of view of thecreator of the game program, it is necessary to prepare a game programcorresponding to each of a plurality of operating systems, and thusthere is a problem of an increase in the man-hour used for the creationof the game program. On the other hand, from the point of view of theuser, it is necessary to download a new game program and/or to update anexisting game program in order to obtain a new game, and thus there is aproblem of requiring communication load, communication cost, time, andlabor.

On the other hand, according to the technology disclosed in the presentapplication, in order to execute the game, the terminal device 10 of thedistributor can call the browser function incorporated in the videodistribution application, instead of executing the game programinstalled in this terminal device 10, can receive a web page (HTMLdocument, particularly HTML5 document) from the web server device 20B byusing this browser function, and can execute the game programincorporated in the web page. This allows the terminal device 10 of thedistributor to easily execute the new game. Therefore, when providing anew game, the creator of the game program only has to incorporate thenew game program into the web page (HTML document, particularly HTML5document) transmitted by the web server device 20B, and it is hencepossible to reduce the number of man-hours used for creation of the newgame program. Furthermore, since the user does not need to download anew game program or the like in order to be provided with the new game,it is possible to suppress communication load, communication cost, time,and labor.

In the above-described various embodiments, during executing the videodistribution application, communicating with the server system 20A, anddistributing the first video 410 (third video 410), the terminal device10 of the distributor executes the browser function incorporated in thisvideo distribution application, whereby the terminal device 10 of thedistributor can execute the program included in the web page receivedfrom the web server device 20B, and can distribute the second video 500(fourth video 500) to the terminal device 10 of each viewer via theserver system 20A. However, such configuration is merely an example.

For example, the terminal device 10 of the distributor can alsodistribute the second video 500 (fourth video 500) without distributingthe first video 410 (third video 410). Specifically, in the firstexample, by executing the video distribution application and executingthe browser function incorporated in the video distribution application,the terminal device 10 of the distributor can execute the programincluded in the web page received from the web server device 20B(without distributing the first video 410 or the third video 410 byusing the video distribution application) and distribute the secondvideo 500 (fourth video 500) to the terminal device 10 of each viewervia the server system 20A. In this configuration, the distributor doesnot distribute the first video 410 (third video 410) based on the motionof the distributor himself (stop the distribution of the first video 410or the third video 410) but can distribute only the second video 500(fourth video 500) showing the situation of the game that thedistributor himself executes.

In the second example, by executing the installed game application andaccessing the server system 20A, which also functions as a game serverdevice, the terminal device 10 of the distributor can distribute thescreen of the game being executed to the terminal device 10 of eachviewer via this server system 20A. Also in these first and secondexamples, as in the various embodiments described above, the terminaldevice 10 of the distributor can generate the second video 500 (fourthvideo 500) by using the viewer data received from the server system 20A.

In a third example, in the first example or the second example, theterminal device 10 of the distributor can transmit operation data of thedistributor to the server system 20A or the web server device 20Bwithout generating the game screen (second video 500 or fourth video500). In this case, the server system 20A or the web server device 20Bgenerates the game screen (second video 500 or fourth video 500) byusing the operation data, and the server system 20A can distribute thegenerated second video 500 (fourth video 500) to the terminal device 10of each viewer.

In this third example, when generating the second video 500 (fourthvideo 500), the web server device 20B can use viewer data received fromthe server system 20A (distribution server device 20 a). When the serversystem 20A generates the second video 500 (fourth video 500), the serversystem 20A can use user data (viewer data) managed and stored by theserver system 20A itself.

As will be readily understood to a person of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the present disclosure, the various examplesdescribed above can be used in various suitable combinations with eachother as long as they do not cause inconsistencies.

As described above, according to one embodiment and various aspectsincluding variations, it is possible to generate the second video(fourth video) in which a control parameter related to a specific gameobject is calculated based on viewer data regarding at least one viewer.Thus, the distributor is induced to use the service of the videodistribution system 1 as a distributor for the purpose of playing theown game more advantageously. The distributor is induced not only to usethe video distribution system 1 as a distributor but also to use thevideo distribution system 1 as a viewer.

Thus, the technology disclosed in the present application can provide acomputer program, a method, and a server device that can induce users touse a service regarding video distribution as a distributor or as aviewer.

Also, in ordinary systems, when viewers wish to affect the game playedby a distributor, they need to use their terminal devices to sendtokens, messages, or comments, etc. to the distributor, which occupiescommunication network resources. According to the technology disclosedin the present application, all the viewers have to do in order toaffect the game played by the distributor (e.g. to help the distributorplay the game advantageously) is to view the videos (game screens), etc.distributed by the distributor. This may allow a server device (whichcommunicates with the terminal devices of the distributor and theviewers) as well as these terminal devices to effectively save ordecrease communication network loads.

Further, according to the technology disclosed in the presentapplication, the device of the distributor is able to calculate acontrol parameter related to a selected game object used in game on thebasis of viewer data so that the distributor is able to play the gameadvantageously. Therefore, as the distributor is able to complete thegame more quickly, the terminal device of the distributor is able to:save the power consumption of the device; extend the battery life of thedevice; decrease CPU/memory loads; and/or decrease communication networkloads. This is also true with the server device and the terminal devicesof the viewers.

7. Various Aspects

The computer program according to the first aspect “causes, by beingexecuted by at least one processor, the processor to function so as todistribute, to terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via acommunication line, a first video including an animation of an avatar ofa first distributor generated based on first motion data regarding amotion of the first distributor or the first motion data, and a secondvideo regarding a game generated based on first operation data regardingan operation of the first distributor using a received web page,acquire, via a communication line, viewer data regarding at least oneviewer from among the plurality of viewers, extract a specific gameobject to be controlled from among a plurality of game objects used inthe game, and calculate a control parameter related to the specific gameobject based on the viewer data”.

The computer program according to the second aspect, in which in thefirst aspect, “the viewer data includes data on a second distributor ina case where at least one viewer, as the second distributor differentfrom the first distributor, can distribute, toward the terminal devicesof the plurality of viewers via the communication line, at least any oneof a third video including an animation of an avatar of the seconddistributor generated based on second motion data regarding a motion ofthe second distributor or the second motion data, and a fourth videoregarding the game generated based on second operation data regarding anoperation of the second distributor using the web page”.

The computer program according to the third aspect, in which in thesecond aspect, “the data on the second distributor includes avatar dataregarding an avatar of the second distributor and/or game data regardingthe game of the second distributor”.

The computer program according to the fourth aspect, in which in thethird aspect, “the avatar data includes data regarding an attribute ofan avatar of the second distributor and/or an item attached or given tothe avatar”.

The computer program according to the fifth aspect, in which in thethird aspect, “the game data includes progress data on the game by thesecond distributor”.

The computer program according to the sixth aspect, in any of the firstto fifth aspects, “causes the at least one processor to function so asto receive the viewer data via the communication line from a serverdevice that stores the viewer data”.

The computer program according to the seventh aspect, in which in any ofthe first to sixth aspects, “the specific game object is the game objectacquired by the first distributor or operated by the first distributorin the game”.

The computer program according to the eighth aspect, in which in theseventh aspect, “the particular game object includes an item, equipment,a point, a reward, a coin, a card, a character, and/or an avatar”.

The computer program according to the ninth aspect, in which in any ofthe first to eighth aspects, “the processor includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or a graphics processingunit (GPU)”.

The computer program according to the tenth aspect, in which in any ofthe first to ninth aspects, “the communication line includes theInternet”.

The computer program according to the eleventh aspect “causes, by beingexecuted by at least one processor, the processor to function so as toreceive, from a terminal device of a first distributor via acommunication line, a first video including an animation of an avatar ofthe first distributor generated based on first motion data regarding amotion of the first distributor or the first motion data, and a secondvideo regarding a game generated based on first operation data regardingan operation of the first distributor using a received web page, andcause the second video to include a specific game object extracted as anobject to be controlled from among a plurality of game objects used inthe game and the specific game object in which a related controlparameter is calculated based on viewer data regarding at least oneviewer of a plurality of viewers who receive the first video or themotion data and the second video from a terminal device of the firstdistributor”.

The computer program according to the twelfth aspect, in which in theeleventh aspect, “the processor includes a central processing unit(CPU), a microprocessor, and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU)”.

The computer program according to the thirteenth aspect, in which in theeleventh or the twelfth aspect, “the communication line includes theInternet”.

The method according to the fourteenth aspect is “a method executed byat least one processor that executes a computer-readable instruction,the method including a step of, by executing the instruction with theprocessor, distributing, to terminal devices of a plurality of viewersvia a communication line, a first video including an animation of anavatar of a first distributor generated based on first motion dataregarding a motion of the first distributor or the first motion data,and a second video regarding a game generated based on first operationdata regarding an operation of the first distributor using a receivedweb page, a step of acquiring, via a communication line, viewer dataregarding at least one viewer from among the plurality of viewers, astep of extracting a specific game object to be controlled from among aplurality of game objects used in the game, and a step of calculating acontrol parameter related to the specific game object based on theviewer data”.

The method according to the fifteenth aspect, in which in the fourteenthaspect, “the processor includes a central processing unit (CPU), amicroprocessor, and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU)”.

The method according to the sixteenth aspect, in which in the fourteenthor fifteenth aspect, “the communication line includes the Internet”.

The method according to the seventeenth aspect is “a method executed byat least one processor that executes a computer-readable instruction,the method including a step of, by executing the instruction with theprocessor, receiving, from a terminal device of a first distributor viaa communication line, a first video including an animation of an avatarof the first distributor generated based on first motion data regardinga motion of the first distributor or the first motion data, and a secondvideo regarding a game generated based on first operation data regardingan operation of the first distributor using a received web page, inwhich the second video includes a specific game object extracted as anobject to be controlled from among a plurality of game objects used inthe game and the specific game object in which a related controlparameter is calculated based on viewer data regarding at least oneviewer of a plurality of viewers who receive the first video or themotion data and the second video from a terminal device of the firstdistributor”.

The method according to the eighteenth aspect, in which in theseventeenth aspect, “the processor includes a central processing unit(CPU), a microprocessor, and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU)”.

The method according to the nineteenth aspect, in which in theseventeenth or eighteenth aspect, “the communication line includes theInternet”.

The server device according to the twentieth aspect is “a server deviceincluding at least one processor and causing the at least one processorto function so as to receive, from a terminal device of a firstdistributor, a first video including an animation of an avatar of thefirst distributor generated based on first motion data regarding amotion of the first distributor or the first motion data, and a secondvideo regarding a game generated based on first operation data regardingan operation of the first distributor using a received web page,distribute, to terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via acommunication line, the received first video or the first motion dataand the second video, store viewer data regarding at least one viewer ofthe plurality of viewers, and transmit the viewer data to a terminaldevice of the first distributor, in which the second video includes aspecific game object extracted as an object to be controlled from amonga plurality of game objects used in the game and the specific gameobject in which a related control parameter is calculated based on theviewer data”.

The server device according to the twenty-first aspect, in which in thetwentieth aspect, “the processor includes a central processing unit(CPU), a microprocessor, and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU)”.

The server device according to the twenty-second aspect, in which in thetwentieth or twenty-first aspect, “the communication line includes theInternet”.

The server device according to the twenty-third aspect is “a serverdevice including at least one processor, and the processor transmits aweb page including a computer program via a communication line to aterminal device of a first distributor configured so as to distribute,to terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via the communicationline, a first video including an animation of an avatar of the firstdistributor generated based on first motion data regarding a motion ofthe first distributor or the first motion data, and a second videoregarding a game generated based on first operation data regarding anoperation of the first distributor using a received web page, in whichthe computer program causes a terminal device of the first distributorto function so as to acquire, via the communication line, viewer dataregarding at least one viewer of the plurality of viewers, extract aspecific game object to be controlled from among a plurality of gameobjects used in the game, and calculate a control parameter related tothe specific game object based on the viewer data”.

The server device according to the twenty-fourth aspect, in which in thetwenty-third aspect, “the processor includes a central processing unit(CPU), a microprocessor, and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU)”.

The server device according to the twenty-fifth aspect, in which in thetwenty-third or twenty-fourth aspect, “the communication line includesthe Internet”.

The method according to the twenty-sixth aspect is “a method executed byat least one processor that executes a computer-readable instruction,the method including a step of, by executing the instruction with theprocessor, receiving, from a terminal device of a first distributor, afirst video including an animation of an avatar of the first distributorgenerated based on first motion data regarding a motion of the firstdistributor or the first motion data, and a second video regarding agame generated based on first operation data regarding an operation ofthe first distributor using a received web page, a step of distributing,to terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via a communication line,the received first video or the first motion data and the second video,a step of storing viewer data regarding at least one viewer of theplurality of viewers, and a step of transmitting the viewer data to aterminal device of the first distributor, in which the second videoincludes a specific game object extracted as an object to be controlledfrom among a plurality of game objects used in the game and the specificgame object in which a related control parameter is calculated based onthe viewer data”.

The method according to the twenty-seventh aspect, in which in thetwenty-sixth aspect, “the processor includes a central processing unit(CPU), a microprocessor, and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU)”.

The method according to the twenty-eighth aspect, in which in thetwenty-sixth or twenty-seventh aspect, “the communication line includesthe Internet”.

The method according to the twenty-ninth aspect is “a method executed byat least one processor that executes a computer-readable instruction,the method including a step of, by executing the instruction with theprocessor, transmitting a web page including a computer program via acommunication line to a terminal device of a first distributorconfigured so as to distribute, to terminal devices of a plurality ofviewers via the communication line, a first video including an animationof an avatar of the first distributor generated based on first motiondata regarding a motion of the first distributor or the first motiondata, and a second video regarding a game generated based on firstoperation data regarding an operation of the first distributor using areceived web page, in which the computer program causes a terminaldevice of the first distributor to function so as to acquire, via thecommunication line, viewer data regarding at least one viewer of theplurality of viewers, extract a specific game object to be controlledfrom among a plurality of game objects used in the game, and calculate acontrol parameter related to the specific game object based on theviewer data”.

The method according to the thirtieth aspect, in which in thetwenty-ninth aspect, “the processor includes a central processing unit(CPU), a microprocessor, and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU)”.

The method according to the thirty-first aspect, in which in thetwenty-ninth or thirtieth aspect, “the communication line includes theInternet”.

II. Second Embodiment

1. Configuration of Video Distribution System

In a video distribution system disclosed in the present application,simply put, a user who performs distribution (hereinafter referred to as“distributor”) can distribute, by using his terminal device, the firstvideo and the second video to a terminal device of a user who views thevideo (hereinafter referred to as “viewer”) via a communication line.The first video is a video including an animation of an avatar generatedon the basis of motion data regarding the motion of the distributor. Thesecond video is a video regarding a game generated on the basis ofoperation data regarding the operation of the distributor.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of thevideo distribution system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG.9, the video distribution system 1 can include a plurality of terminaldevices 10 connected to a communication line (communication network) notillustrated, and one or more server devices 20 connected to thecommunication line. Each terminal device 10 can be connected to one ormore server devices 20 via the communication line.

Additionally, as the plurality of terminal devices 10, FIG. 9 shows, forexample, terminal devices 10A to 10D, but one or more terminal devices10 other than them can be used similarly. Similarly, FIG. 9 shows as oneor more server devices 20, for example, server devices 20A and 20B, butone or more server devices 20 other than them can be used similarly. Thecommunication line (not shown) can include a mobile telephone network, awireless network (e.g., RF connections via Bluetooth, WiFi (such as IEEE802.11a/b/n), WiMax, cellular, satellite, laser, infrared), a fixedtelephone network, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network(LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), and/or an Ethernet network, withoutbeing limited thereto. In a virtual host environment, the communicationline(s) can be a virtualized network connection provided by the virtualhost.

In an embodiment, the video distribution system 1 can include one ormore studio units 30 connected to the communication line. Each studiounit 30 can be connected to one or more server devices 20 or theplurality of terminal devices 10 via the communication line.Additionally, as one or more studio units 30, FIG. 9 shows, for example,studio units 30A and 30B, but one or more studio units 30 other thanthem can be used similarly. Each studio unit 30 can have a similarfunction to that of the terminal device 10 described later or the serverdevice 20.

In order to simplify the description, attention will be paid to a casein which one or the plurality of server devices 20 transmit/receivevideos, token data, and the like to/from each terminal device 10. Inplace of this or in addition to this, as will be described later, one orthe plurality of server devices 20 can also transmit/receive videos,token data, and the like to/from each studio unit 30. In place of thisor in addition to this, as will be described later, the studio unit 30can also transmit/receive videos, token data, and the like to/from eachterminal device 10.

1-1. Terminal Device 10

The plurality of terminal devices 10 can include one or more distributorterminal devices 10 (here, terminal device 10A) and one or more viewerterminal devices 10 (here, terminal device 10B to the terminal device10D). Each terminal device 10 has a common configuration and can thus beeither a terminal device (terminal device 10 of the distributor) fordistributing a video or a terminal device (terminal device 10 of theviewer) for viewing a video.

In a case of operating as a terminal device (distributor terminaldevice) for distributing a video, each terminal device 10 can execute aninstalled video distribution application (may also be middleware or acombination of an application and middleware. The same shall applyhereinafter). Thus, each terminal device 10 can acquire motion dataregarding the motion of the distributor, and can transmit, to the serverdevice 20 (distribution server system 20A) via the communication line,the first video including an animation of a virtual character (avatar)changed according to the acquired data. Such the first video isdistributed by the server device 20 (distribution server system 20A) tothe terminal device (viewer terminal device) 10 for receiving the videovia the communication line. Such the terminal device 10 of the viewercan receive a video by executing an installed video viewing application(may also be middleware or a combination of an application andmiddleware. The same shall apply hereinafter).

When operating as a terminal device of the distributor, each terminaldevice 10 can execute a browser function incorporated in the installedvideo distribution application and/or execute an installed web browserapplication. This allows each terminal device 10 to receive a web page(for example, an HTML document including in some examples, HTMLdocuments encoding code such as JavaScript or PHT code) from the serverdevice 20 (web server device 20B) and execute a game program included inthis web page. By executing the game program, each terminal device 10can generate a second video in which at least one game object is causedto act on the basis of operation data related to an operation of thedistributor.

When operating as a terminal device of the distributor, each terminaldevice 10 can transmit, by executing the video distribution application,the second video thus generated to the server device 20 (distributionserver system 20A) via the communication line. Such the second video isalso distributed by the server device 20 (distribution server system20A) via a communication line to a terminal device (terminal device ofthe viewer) 10 for receiving a video which executes an installed videoviewing application.

Furthermore, when operating as a distributor terminal device, byexecuting the above-described video distribution application, eachterminal device 10 can receive, via the server device 20 (distributionserver system 20A), from the terminal device 10 of the viewer viewingthe second video (distributed by the terminal device 10 of thisdistributor), token data indicative of giving a token to thisdistributor, and/or comment data indicative of transmitting a comment tothis distributor.

On the other hand, when operating as a terminal device (viewer terminaldevice) for viewing a video, by executing the installed video viewingapplication, each terminal device 10 can receive, via the server device20 (distribution server system 20A), the first video and/or the secondvideo distributed by the terminal device 10 of the distributor.

In a case of operating as a distributor terminal device, by executingthe video viewing application, each terminal device 10 can transmit, viathe server device 20 (distribution server system 20A) to the terminaldevice 10A of this viewer, token data indicative of giving a token tothe distributor, and/or comment data indicative of transmitting acomment to this distributor.

Additionally, the above-described video distribution application andvideo viewing application can be installed and executed in each terminaldevice 10 as one integrated application or as separate applications.

Each terminal device 10 is any terminal device capable of executing suchoperation, and can include a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone(feature phone), and/or a personal computer, without being limitedthereto.

1-2. Server Device 20

FIG. 9 shows the server system 20A and the web server device 20B as oneor the plurality of server devices 20 as an example.

The distribution server system 20A can distribute the first video and/orthe second video transmitted by each terminal device (terminal device ofeach distributor) 10 to each terminal device (terminal device of eachviewer) 10. Furthermore, the distribution server system 20A cantransmit, to the terminal device 10 of a certain distributor, token dataindicative of giving a token to the distributor and/or comment dataindicative of transmitting a comment to the distributor that have beentransmitted by each terminal device (terminal device of each viewer) 10.

In order to execute such operation, the distribution server system 20A,in an embodiment, can include a distribution server device 200 a, adatabase (DB) server device 200 b, and a game API server device 200 cthat are interconnected via a communication line (including a wirelessline and/or a wired line that are not shown).

The distribution server device 200 a can distribute, to each terminaldevice 10, the first video and/or the second video transmitted by theterminal device 10 of each distributor. Furthermore, the distributionserver device 200 a can store, into the DB server device 200 b, thetoken data and/or the comment data transmitted by the terminal device 10of each viewer.

The DB server device 200 b can store the token data and/or the commentdata received from the distribution server device 200 a, read the tokendata and/or the comment data inquired by the game API server device 200c, and transmit them to the game API server device 200 c.

When receiving an inquiry about token data and/or comment data from theterminal device 10 of each distributor, the game API server device 200 ccan read, from the DB server device 200 b, the token data and/or thecomment data for the terminal device 10 of the distributor, and transmitthem to the terminal device 10 of the distributor.

The example shown in FIG. 9 shows a configuration in which thedistribution server system 20A has three server devices including thedistribution server device 200 a, the DB server device 200 b, and thegame API server device 200 c for the purpose of balancing the load.However, at least one server device of these three server devices may beintegrated with at least one of the remaining server devices.

Next, the web server device 20B can transmit, to the terminal device 10of each distributor having accessed, a web page (document createdaccording to HTML, for example, HTML5) in which a game program isincorporated. This game program can cause the terminal device 10 havingreceived and decoded the game program to execute various operationsrelated to the distribution of the video, including the operationsexemplified below.

-   -   Operation of executing the game    -   Operation of transmitting, to the distribution server system 20A        (distribution server device 200 a), a game screen generated in        accordance with execution of the game    -   Operation of acquiring, from the distribution server system 20A        (game API server device 200 c), the token data and/or comment        data transmitted to this distributor

1-3. Studio Unit 30

The studio unit 30 can be placed in a studio, a room, a hall, or thelike that is a place where the distributor (performer) distributes avideo. As described above, the studio unit 30 can perform the samefunction as that of the terminal device 10 and/or the server device 20.

2. Hardware Configuration of Each Device

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of each of the terminaldevice 10, the server device 20, and the studio unit 30 will bedescribed.

2-1. Hardware Configuration of Terminal Device 10

An example of the hardware configuration of each terminal device 10 willbe described with reference again to FIG. 2, which was referred to withrespect to the first embodiment above. FIG. 2 is a block diagramschematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of theterminal device 10 (server device 20) shown in FIG. 9 (in FIG. 2,reference numerals in parentheses are provided in relation to the serverdevice 20, as will be described later).

As shown in FIG. 2, each terminal device 10 can mainly include a centralprocessing unit 11, a main storage device 12, an input/output interfacedevice 13, an input device 14, an auxiliary storage device 15, and anoutput device 16. These devices are interconnected via a data bus and/ora control bus.

The central processing unit 11, which is referred to as a “CPU”, canperform operations on instructions and data stored in the main storagedevice 12, and store the results of the operations in the main storagedevice 12. Furthermore, the central processing unit 11 can control theinput device 14, the auxiliary storage device 15, the output device 16,and the like via the input/output interface device 13. The terminaldevice 10 can include one or more such central processing units 11.

The main storage device 12, which is referred to as a “memory”, canstore instructions and data received from the input device 14, theauxiliary storage device 15, and a communication line 2 (server device20 or the like) via the input/output interface device 13, as well ascalculation results of the central processing unit 11. The main storagedevice 12 can include computer-readable media such as volatile memory(e.g., registers, cache, random access memory (RAM)), non-volatilememory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), EEPROM, flash memory) and storage(e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), magnetic tape,optical media), without being limited thereto. As should be readilyunderstood, the term computer-readable storage media includes the mediafor data storage such as memory and storage, and not transmission mediasuch as modulated data signals or transitory signals.

The auxiliary storage device 15 is a storage device having a capacitylarger than that of the main storage device 12. It is possible to storeinstructions and data (computer programs) constituting theabove-described specific applications (video distribution application,video viewing application, and the like), web browser applications, andthe like. By being controlled by the central processing unit 11, theauxiliary storage device 15 can transmit these instructions and data(computer program) to the main storage device 12 via the input/outputinterface device 13. The auxiliary storage device 15 can include amagnetic disk device and/or an optical disk device, without beinglimited thereto.

The input device 14 is a device that fetches data from the outside, andcan include a touch screen, a button, a keyboard, a mouse, and/or asensor, without being limited thereto. The sensor can include a sensorincluding one or more cameras or the like and/or one or more microphonesor the like, without being limited thereto, as described below.

The output device 16 can include a display device, a touch screen,and/or a printer device, without being limited thereto.

With such hardware configuration, the central processing unit 11 cansequentially loads, into the main storage device 12, an instruction anddata (computer program) constituting a specific application stored inthe auxiliary storage device 15, and calculate the loaded instructionand data. Thus, the central processing unit 11 can control the outputdevice 16 via the input/output interface device 13 or transmit/receivevarious data to/from another device (e.g., server device 20, otherterminal device 10, studio unit 30, and/or like) via the input/outputinterface device 13 and a communication network 2.

Thus, by executing the installed specific application, the terminaldevice 10 can execute at least one operation of the following operationsexemplified below, for example (including various operations describedin detail later).

-   -   Operation used for distributing the first video and/or the        second video    -   Operation used for receiving the token data and/or the comment        data transmitted from another terminal device 10 to the own        terminal device 10    -   Operation used for receiving the first video and/or the second        video distributed by another terminal device 10    -   Operation used for transmitting token data and/or comment data        to another terminal device 10

The terminal device 10 can include one or more microprocessors and/orgraphics processing units (GPU) in place of the central processing unit11 or together with the central processing unit 11.

2-2. Hardware Configuration of Server Device 20

An example of the hardware configuration of each server device 20 willbe described with reference to FIG. 2 similarly. The hardwareconfiguration of each server device 20 (each of distribution serverdevice 200 a, DB server device 200 b, game API server device 200 c, andweb server device 20B) can be, for example, one identical to thehardware configuration of each terminal device 10 described above.

Therefore, reference numerals for the components of each server device20 are shown in parentheses in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, each server device 20 can mainly include a centralprocessing unit 21, a main storage device 22, an input/output interfacedevice 23, an input device 24, an auxiliary storage device 25, and anoutput device 26. These devices are interconnected via a data bus and/ora control bus.

The central processing unit 21, the main storage device 22, theinput/output interface device 23, the input device 24, the auxiliarystorage device 25, and the output device 26 may be substantiallyidentical to the central processing unit 11, the main storage device 12,the input/output interface device 13, the input device 14, the auxiliarystorage device 15, and the output device 16, respectively, included ineach terminal device 10 described above.

With such hardware configuration, the central processing unit 21 cansequentially loads, into the main storage device 22, an instruction anddata (computer program) constituting a specific application stored inthe auxiliary storage device 25, and calculate the loaded instructionand data. Thus, the central processing unit 21 can control the outputdevice 26 via the input/output interface device 23 or transmit/receivevarious data to/from another device (e.g., other terminal device 10,studio unit 30, and/or like) via the input/output interface device 23and the communication network 2.

Thus, the server device 20 can execute at least one operation of thefollowing operations exemplified below, for example (including variousoperations described in detail later).

-   -   Operation used for distributing, to the terminal device 10 of        each viewer, the first video and/or the second video transmitted        by the terminal device 10 of each distributor    -   Operation used for transmitting, to the terminal device 10 of        the distributor, token data and/or comment data transmitted by        the terminal device 10 of each viewer to the terminal device 10        of a certain distributor

The server device 20 can include one or more microprocessors and/orgraphics processing units (GPU) in place of the central processing unit21 or together with the central processing unit 21.

2-3. Hardware Configuration of Studio Unit 30

As described above, the studio unit 30 can perform the same function asthat of the terminal device 10 and/or the server device 20. Therefore,the studio unit 30 can have a similar hardware configuration to that ofthe above-described terminal device 10 or the server device 20.

3. Functions of Each Device

Next, an example of the function of each of the terminal device 10, theserver device 20, and the studio unit 30 will be described.

3-1. Functions of Terminal Device 10

An example of the function of the terminal device 10 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematicallyshowing an example of a function of the terminal device 10 shown in FIG.9.

As shown in FIG. 10, the terminal device 10 can mainly include a firstvideo generation unit 100X, a viewing parameter acquisition unit 110X,an object extraction unit 120X, a control parameter calculation unit130X, a second video generation unit 140X, a communication unit 150, adisplay unit 160X, a storage unit 170X, a user interface unit 180X, anda token processing unit 190X.

(1) First Video Generation Unit 100X

The first video generation unit 100X can generate the first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of a distributor on the basis ofmotion data regarding the motion of the distributor. In order to realizethis, the first video generation unit 100X can include an acquisitionunit 102X and a processing unit 104X, for example.

The acquisition unit 102X can include one or more first sensors 102 athat acquire data regarding the body of the distributor, and one or moresecond sensors 102 b that acquire voice data regarding an utteranceand/or singing emitted by the distributor.

In a preferred embodiment, the first sensor 102 a can include an RGBcamera that captures visible light and a near infrared camera thatcaptures near infrared rays. As such a camera, it is possible to use acamera included in a True Depth camera of iPhone X (registeredtrademark), for example. The second sensor 102 b can include amicrophone to record voice.

First, as for the first sensor 102 a, the acquisition unit 102X capturesthe body of the distributor by using the first sensor 102 a placed closeto the body of the distributor. Thus, the acquisition unit 102X cangenerate data (e.g., MPEG file) in which an image acquired by the RGBcamera is recorded over a unit time in association with a time code(code indicating the time acquired). The acquisition unit 102X cangenerate data (e.g., TSV file) in which a numerical value (e.g.,numerical value of floating point number) indicating a predeterminednumber (e.g., 51) of depths acquired by the near-infrared camera isrecorded over a unit time in association with the time code. The TSVfile is a file in a format where a plurality of data are recorded withdata separated by tabs.

As for the near-infrared camera, specifically, a dot projector radiates,to the body of the performer, an infrared laser that forms a dotpattern, and the near-infrared camera captures the infrared dotsprojected and reflected on the body of the performer and generates animage of the infrared dots thus captured. The acquisition unit 102X cancompare an image of the dot pattern emitted by the dot projectorregistered in advance with an image captured by the near infraredcamera. Thus, the acquisition unit 102X can calculate the depth(distance between each point or each feature point and the near-infraredcamera) of each point (each feature point) by using the positionaldeviation at each point (each feature point) (e.g., each of 51 pointsand feature points) in the both images. The acquisition unit 102X cangenerate data in which a numerical value indicating the thus calculateddepth is recorded over a unit time in association with the time code asdescribed above. The camera (s) that the first sensor 102 a has isindicated with the reference sign 102 c.

Next, as for the second sensor 102 b, the acquisition unit 102X acquiresvoice related to an utterance and/or singing emitted by the distributorusing the second sensor 102 b placed close to the body of thedistributor. The second sensor 102 b can include at least one microphone102 d. Thus, the acquisition unit 102X can generate data (e.g., MPEGfile) recorded over a unit time in association with a time code. In anembodiment, the acquisition unit 102X can acquire data regarding thebody of the distributor using the first sensor 102 a, and at the sametime, acquire voice data regarding an utterance and/or singing emittedby the distributor using the second sensor 102 b. In this case, theacquisition unit 102X can generate data (e.g., MPEG file) in which animage acquired by the RGB camera and voice data related to speech and/orvocal given by the distributor using the second sensor 102 b arerecorded over a unit time in association with an identical time code.

The acquisition unit 102X can output, to the processing unit 104X, thedata (MPEG file, TSV file, or the like) related to the body of thedistributor thus generated, as motion data, and/or the voice data (MPEGfile or the like) related to the utterance and/or singing emitted by thedistributor.

For example, the motion data can be acquired using a motion capturesystem. As will be readily understood to one of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of the present disclosure, examples of suitablemotion capture systems that can be used with disclosed apparatus andmethods include optical motion capture systems, including such systemsusing passive markers, active markers, or markerless systems andnon-optical systems, including inertial and magnetic systems. Motiondata can be capture with an image capture devices (such as a CCD(charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxidesemiconductor) image sensor) coupled to a computer that transforms themotion data into video or other image data.

The case where the first sensor 102 a includes an RGB camera and aninfrared camera has been described here. However, the first sensor 102 acan include, for example, any of the following (A) to (C).

-   -   (A) A camera that detects infrared rays emitted by an infrared        laser and reflected on the face of the performer    -   (B) A plurality of RGB cameras that capture visible light    -   (C) A single camera that captures visible light

In the case of (A) above, the acquisition unit 102X can calculate thedepth for each feature point in the body of the distributor by the samemethod as that described above. In the case of (B) above, theacquisition unit 102X can calculate the depth of each feature point ofthe body of the distributor using a plurality of images captured by aplurality of RGB cameras. In the case of (C) above, the acquisition unit102X can calculate, by using deep learning or the like, the depth ofeach feature point in the body of the distributor from an image capturedby a single camera. In the case of (C) above, the acquisition unit 102Xcan calculate the depth of each feature point of the body of theperformer by analysis processing (image processing and the like) for theimage captured by the single camera.

The processing unit 104X can generate a video including an animation ofa virtual character (avatar of the distributor) on the basis of the dataregarding the body of the distributor from the acquisition unit 102X. Asfor the video itself of the virtual character, the processing unit 104Xcan generate the video of the virtual character by causing a renderingunit not illustrated to execute rendering using various data (e.g.,geometry data, bone data, texture data, shader data, blend shape data,and so on) stored in a character data storage unit not illustrated.

By using various known techniques, the processing unit 104X can generatea video (e.g., a video in which the facial expression of the avatarchanges in synchronization with the movement of the mouth and both eyesof the performer, e.g., a video in which the facial expression of theavatar changes in response to lip-sync and gaze tracking with respect tothe face of the performer) in which the facial expression of the avataror the like is changed by using the data (data regarding the depth ofeach feature point in the body of the performer) related to the body ofthe distributor from the acquisition unit 102X.

Any other known technique can be used for generating the first videoincluding an animation of the avatar of the distributor on the basis ofthe motion data regarding the motion of the distributor. Such well-knowntechnology includes a technique referred to as “blend shapes” describedin a website specified by the following URL.

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/arkit/arfaceanchor/2928251-blendshapes

When using this technique, the processing unit 104X can adjust eachparameter of one or more feature points corresponding to the motion ofthe distributor among a plurality of feature points of the upper body(face or the like) of the distributor. This allows the processing unit104X to generate a video of a virtual character that follows the actionof the distributor.

(2) Viewing Parameter Acquisition Unit 110X

Regarding the second video “currently distributed” by the distributor(distributor A using the terminal device 10), the viewing parameteracquisition unit 110X can receive, from the distribution server device200 a of the distribution server system 20A, at least one viewingparameter regarding viewing by at least one viewer from among aplurality of viewers viewing this second video. The at least one viewingparameter described above can include the total number of plurality ofviewers viewing the second video currently distributed by thedistributor A, and/or the viewing time of at least one viewer viewingthe second video currently distributed by the distributor A.

In addition to this, regarding the second video “previously distributed”by the distributor A, the viewing parameter acquisition unit 110X canalso receive, from the distribution server device 200 a of thedistribution server system 20A, at least one viewing parameter regardingviewing by at least one viewer from among a plurality of viewers viewedthis second video. The at least one viewing parameter described abovecan include the total number of plurality of viewers viewed the secondvideo previously distributed by the distributor A, the viewing time ofat least one viewer viewed the second video previously distributed bythe distributor A, and/or the frequency with which at least one viewerviewed the second video previously distributed by the distributor A. Theviewing parameter acquisition unit 110X can be implemented with aprocessor coupled to a memory storing computer-readable instructionsexecuted by the processor.

(3) Object Extraction Unit 120X

The object extraction unit 120X can extract at least one specific gameobject to be controlled on the basis of the viewing parameter acquiredby the viewing parameter acquisition unit 110X, from among a pluralityof game objects used in a game generated on the basis of operation datarelated to the operation of the distributor A. The at least one gameobject to be controlled can include at least one game object acquiredand/or operated by the distributor A in the game. The at least one gameobject to be “operated” by the distributor A in the game can includecharacters and/or avatars. The at least one game object to be “acquired”by the distributor A in the game can include items, equipment, points,rewards, coins, cards, and/or characters. The object extraction unit120X can be implemented with a processor coupled to a memory storingcomputer-readable instructions executed by the processor.

(4) Control Parameter Calculation Unit 130X

On the basis of a viewing parameter acquired by the viewing parameteracquisition unit 110X, the control parameter calculation unit 130X cancalculate the control parameter related to the game object extracted bythe object extraction unit 120X. Here, as described above, the gameobject extracted by the object extraction unit 120X can include at leastone game object acquired and/or operated by the distributor A in thegame. The control parameter calculation unit 130X can be implementedwith a processor coupled to a memory storing computer-readableinstructions executed by the processor.

(5) Second Video Generation Unit 140X

The second video generation unit 140X can generate the second videoregarding the game on the basis of the operation data regarding theoperation of the distributor by using the web page received from the webserver device 20B.

Specifically, the second video generation unit 140X executes a gameprogram incorporated in the web page received from the web server device20B. Thus, the second video generation unit 140X can render the secondvideo (game video) related to the game on the basis of the operationdata indicating the operation of the distributor input by the userinterface unit 180X and at least one game object in which the relatedcontrol parameter has been calculated by the control parametercalculation unit 130X. For example, the operation data can include oneor more of the following: data indicative of how the distributor hasswiped a touch pad display, data indicative of which object thedistributer has tapped or clicked, or data indicative of how thedistributor has dragged a touch pad display, or other such operationdata.

(6) Communication Unit 150X

The communication unit 150X can communicate various data used fordistribution and/or viewing of a video between the distribution serversystem 20A and the web server device 20B. For example, when the terminaldevice 10 operates as the terminal device 10 of the distributor A, thecommunication unit 150X can access the web server device 20B and receivea web page (HTML document) or the like containing a game program usedfor executing a game or the like. When the terminal device 10 operatesas the terminal device 10 of the distributor A, the communication unit150X can receive at least one viewing parameter from the distributionserver device 200 a of the distribution server system 20A. Furthermore,when the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal device 10 of thedistributor A, the communication unit 150X can transmit the first videoand/or the second video to the distribution server system 20A, and canreceive, from the distribution server system 20A, the token data and/orthe comment data transmitted to this distributor A.

Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal deviceof the viewer, the communication unit 150X can receive, from thedistribution server system 20A, the first video and/or the second videotransmitted by the terminal device 10 of the distributor, and transmittoken data and/or comment data for the distributor to the distributionserver system 20A. The communication unit 150X may be adapted tocommunicate using any suitable technology, including a mobile telephonenetwork, a wireless network (e.g., RF connections via Bluetooth, WiFi(such as IEEE 802.11a/b/n), WiMax, cellular, satellite, laser,infrared), a fixed telephone network, the Internet, an intranet, a localarea network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), and/or an Ethernetnetwork, without being limited thereto.

(7) Display Unit 160X

The display unit 160X can display various information (data) used fordistribution and/or viewing of a video. Specifically, the display unit160X can display the first video and/or the second video to bedistributed, the first video and/or the second video having beenreceived, and/or the like.

(8) Storage Unit 170X

The storage unit 170X can store various data used for distributionand/or viewing of a video using computer-readable memory or storagedevices.

(9) User Interface Unit 180X

The user interface unit 180X can input various data used fordistribution and/or viewing of the video through a user operation. Forexample, the user interface unit 180X can input, from the distributor,operation data indicating the contents of the operation by thedistributor when executing the game, and output the data to the secondvideo generation unit 140X. The user interface unit 180X may include atouch input device, such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screendisplay, pen, or trackball, a voice input device, a camera, an imagesensor, a scanning device, or another device, that provides user input.

(10) Token/Comment Processing Unit 190X

The token/comment processing unit 190X can process token data and/orcomment data transmitted/received regarding distribution and/or viewingof a video. For example, when the terminal device 10 operates as theterminal device 10 of the distributor A, the token/comment processingunit 190X can process the token data and/or the comment data transmittedto this distributor A. When the terminal device 10 operates as theterminal device 10 of the viewer, the token/comment processing unit 190Xcan process the token data and/or comment data to be transmitted by thisviewer.

3-2. Functions of Server Device 20

An example of the function of the server device 20 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematicallyshowing an example of a function of the server device 20 shown in FIG.9. As shown in FIG. 11, the server device 20 can mainly include acommunication unit 200X, a storage unit 210X, a token/comment processingunit 220X, and a viewing management unit 230X. These may be included inany one of the distribution server device 200 a, the DB server device200 b, and the game API server device 200 c constituting thedistribution server system 20A, or may be included redundantly ordispersedly in at least one server device of the distribution serverdevice 200 a, the DB server device 200 b, and the game API server device200 c.

The communication unit 200X can communicate various data used fordistribution and/or viewing of a video between the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor and/or the terminal device 10 of the viewer. Forexample, when operating as the distribution server system 20A, theserver device 20 can receive the first video and/or the second videofrom the terminal device 10 of each distributor and can distribute thereceived video to the terminal device 10 of each viewer. When operatingas the web server device 20B, the server device 20 can transmit, to theterminal device 10 of each distributor having accessed, a web page inwhich a game program is incorporated.

The storage unit 210X can store various data used for distributionand/or viewing of a video, the various data received from thecommunication unit 200X, the token/comment processing unit 220X, and/orthe viewing management unit 230X.

The token/comment processing unit 220X can process the token data and/orthe comment data transmitted from each viewer to each distributor.

The viewing management unit 230X can manage, for example, at least onepiece of the following user data regarding each distributor, withoutbeing limited thereto.

-   -   (a) Total number of plurality of viewers viewing the second        video currently distributed by the distributor    -   (b) Total length of time in which each viewer viewing the second        video currently distributed by the distributor has viewed the        second video    -   (c) Total number of plurality of viewers viewed the second video        previously distributed by the distributor    -   (d) Total length of time in which each viewer viewed the second        video previously distributed by the distributor has viewed the        second video    -   (e) Number of times (e.g., viewing frequency) for which each        viewer viewed the second video previously distributed by the        distributor has viewed the second video per unit time

The distribution server system 20A (in particular, distribution serverdevice 200 a) is provided for the purpose of performing a function ofdistributing, to each terminal device 10 of the plurality of viewers,the second video transmitted by the terminal device 10 of eachdistributor. Therefore, the distribution server system 20A (inparticular, distribution server device 200 a) can recognize whichviewer's terminal device 10 to transmit the second video from, and whichviewer's terminal device 10 to be currently distributed or to have beenpreviously distributed to. Therefore, by managing the history (log) ofsuch distribution, the distribution server system 20A (in particular,distribution server device 200 a) can manage various data listed asdescribed above.

When the server device 20 operates as the web server device 20B, thetoken/comment processing unit 220X and the viewing management unit 230Xmay be omitted.

3-3. Function of Studio Unit 30

As described above, the studio unit 30 can perform the same function asthat of the terminal device 10 and/or the server device 20. Therefore,the studio unit 30 can have the function of the terminal device 10described with reference to FIG. 10 and/or the function of the serverdevice 20 described with reference to FIG. 11.

4. Overall Operation of Video Distribution System 1

Next, the overall operation performed in the video distribution system 1having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.12A and 12B. FIGS. 12A and 12B are flow diagrams showing an example ofthe operation performed in the video distribution system 1 shown in FIG.9.

First, referring to FIG. 12A, in ST302X, in response to the operation ofthe distributor (here, distributor A), the terminal device 10 (here,terminal device 10A) starts and executes the video distributionapplication.

Next, in ST304X, the terminal device 10A generates the first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of the distributor A on the basis ofthe motion data regarding the motion of the distributor A. Thus, asillustrated in FIG. 13, a first video 404X including an animation of anavatar 402X of the distributor A is displayed on the display unit 160Xof the terminal device 10A.

Returning to FIG. 12A, the terminal device 10A transmits the generatedfirst video 404X to the distribution server device 200 a of thedistribution server system 20A. From the terminal device 10 of eachviewer having accessed the distribution server device 200 a by executingthe video viewing application, the distribution server device 200 a canreceive a request signal for requesting the first video 404X distributedby the terminal device 10A of the distributor A. In response to thisrequest signal, the distribution server device 40 a can distribute, tothe terminal device 10 of each viewer executing the video viewingapplication, the first video 404X received from the terminal device 10A.Thus, the (viewing management unit 230X of the) distribution serverdevice 200 a can manage the date, time, and the like of the first video404X being distributed (and/or previously distributed) by thedistributor A was viewed by each viewer. In this manner, the first video404X as illustrated in FIG. 13 is displayed also on the display unit160X of the terminal device 10 of each viewer.

Next, in ST306X, when the distributor A taps or the like an icon 406X of“Game” (see FIG. 13) displayed on the display unit 160X of the terminaldevice 10A, the terminal device 10A of the distributor executes thebrowser function equipped on the video distribution application. Thus,in ST308X, the terminal device 10A can access the web server device 20Bin a state of having executed the video distribution application (e.g.,having distributed the first video 404X to the terminal device 10 ofeach viewer). Therefore, the terminal device 10A can receive, from theweb server device 20B, the HTML5 document in which the game program isincorporated.

Next, in ST310X, the terminal device 10A can generate a video (secondvideo) regarding the game by executing the game program incorporated inthe received HTML5 document. FIG. 14 shows an example of a second video500X thus generated by the terminal device 10A.

Next, returning to FIG. 12A, in ST312X, the terminal device 10Atransmits the second video (game screen) 500X generated in ST310X to thedistribution server device 200 a of the distribution server system 20A(additionally, during transmitting the second video 500X to thedistribution server device 200 a of the distribution server system 20A,the terminal device 10A may stop transmitting the first video 404X ormay transmit the first video 404X). The distribution server device 200 adistributes the second video received from the terminal device 10A tothe terminal device 10 of each viewer executing the video viewingapplication and receiving the first video 404X (in a case of receivingnot only the second video 500X but also the first video 404X from theterminal device 10A, the distribution server device 200 a may transmitonly the second video 500X or both the second video 500X and the firstvideo 404X to the terminal device 10 of each viewer). Thus, the (viewingmanagement unit 230X of the) distribution server device 200 a can managethe date, time, and the like of the second video being distributed(and/or previously distributed) by the distributor A was viewed by eachviewer. Thus, the second video 500X can be displayed also on the displayunit 160X of the terminal device 10 of each viewer (for example, in astate of being covered on the first video 404X as illustrated in FIG. 13and hiding the first video 404X).

Next, in ST314X, the terminal device 10A can receive, from the (viewingmanagement unit 230X of the) distribution server device 200 a of thedistribution server system 20A, at least one viewing parameter regardingviewing by at least one viewer of a plurality of viewers viewing thesecond video 500X. The terminal device 10A can also receive such aviewing parameter every unit time. As will be described later, the thusreceived viewing parameter can be used when the terminal device 10Agenerates the second video 500X.

Next, in ST316X, a case is assumed in which the viewer (here, the userB) viewing the second video 500X transmitted by the terminal device 10Agives a token (token G1 as an example here) to the distributor A. Byoperating the terminal device 10B, the viewer B can select the token G1from a plurality of prepared tokens and can select a command for givingthe token G1 to the distributor A. The selection of such a command canbe executed via a user interface (not illustrated) displayed on theterminal device 10B. Thus, the terminal device 10B can transmit, to thedistribution server device 200 a of the distribution server system 20A,token data indicative of giving the token G1 to the distributor A. Thistoken data can include, for example, recipient identification data foridentifying the recipient (distributor A) of the token, tokenidentification data for identifying the token (token G1), and senderidentification data for identifying the sender (viewer B) of the token.

By operating the terminal device 10B, the viewer B can also transmit acomment to the distributor A. In this case, the terminal device 10B cantransmit the comment data to the distribution server device 200 a. Thecomment data can include recipient identification data for identifyingthe recipient (distributor A) of the comment, comment content datastoring the content of the comment, and sender identification data foridentifying the sender (viewer B) of the comment.

ST318X to ST324X explained below are related to the procedure in whichthe token data transmitted by the terminal device 10 of each viewer isreceived by the terminal device 10 of the distributor A. However, byapplying the same procedure to comment data, the comment datatransmitted by the terminal device 10 of each viewer can be received bythe terminal device 10 of the distributor A. In this case, in ST318X toST324X explained below, “token identification data” and “token data” canbe read and understood as “comment content data” and “comment data”,respectively.

In ST318X, the distribution server device 200 a can store the token datareceived from the terminal device 10B in the DB server device 200 b. Forexample, the DB server device 200 b can store, as token data, numberidentification data for identifying what number a token was given, thetoken identification data, and the sender identification data inassociation with the recipient identification data.

In ST320X, the terminal device 10A of the distributor A can make aninquiry with the game API server device 200 c whether or not new tokendata has come to the distributor A at each predetermined cycle duringexecution of the game. For example, if having received one piece oftoken data from the game API server device 200 c so far since startingthe game, the terminal device 10A can make an inquiry with the game APIserver device 200 c for the presence/absence of the second andsubsequent pieces of token data.

With reference to FIG. 12B, in ST322X, in response to an inquiry fromthe terminal device 10A, the game API server device 200 c can requestthe DB server device 200 b for the second and subsequent pieces of tokendata regarding the distributor A. In a case of having successfullysearched the second and subsequent pieces of number identification dataas the number identification data stored in association with thedistributor A (recipient identification data), the DB server device 200b can transmit, to the game API server device 200 c as the second pieceof token data, the token identification data and the senderidentification data corresponding to each of the second and subsequentpieces of number identification data. Here, a case is assumed in whichthe DB server device 200 b has successfully searched only the secondpiece of number identification data. In this case, the DB server device200 b can transmit, to the game API server device 200 c as the secondpiece of token data, the token identification data and the senderidentification data corresponding to the second piece of numberidentification data. In response to this, the game API server device 200c can transmit the second piece of token data to the terminal device 10Aof the distributor A.

Next, in ST324X, the terminal device 10A having received the secondpiece of token data can execute the game on the basis of the secondpiece of token data. The terminal device 10A can execute the game on thebasis of at least one piece of the following data, for example.

-   -   Token uniquely identified by the token identification data        included in the token data (token G1, here)    -   Sender identified by the sender identification data included in        the token data (viewer B, here)    -   Comment content data included in the comment data    -   Sender identified by the sender identification data included in        the comment data (viewer B, here)

In place of this or in addition to this, the terminal device 10A canalso execute the game on the basis of the viewing parameter received inST314X.

Thus, the terminal device 10A generates the second video 500X includingat least one game object generated on the basis of the token data, thecomment data, and/or the viewing parameter. A specific example of thesecond video 500X including at least one game object generated on thebasis of the token data, the comment data, and/or the viewing parameterwill be described later.

Additionally, the terminal device 10A has received so far two pieces oftoken data from the game API server device 200 c (the terminal device10A identifies how many pieces of token data have been received so farduring the execution of the game). Thus, in the next cycle, the terminaldevice 10A can make an inquiry with the game API server device 200 c forthe presence/absence of the third and subsequent pieces of token data.

Next, in ST326X, the terminal device 10A can distribute the thusgenerated second video 500X including at least one game object to theterminal device 10 of each viewer via the distribution server system 20Ain the same manner as in ST312X.

Next, in ST328X, if the terminal device 10A continues the game, it ispossible to repeat the processes in and after ST308X. On the other hand,if the terminal device 10A does not continue the game, the processingends.

5. Specific Example of Second Video

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of the second video displayed onthe terminal device 10 used in the video distribution system 1 shown inFIG. 9. FIG. 14 shows, as an example, a scene in which the second video500X regarding a plant growing game for growing plants in a garden thatis played by the distributor A is displayed (in ST310X described above)by the terminal device 10A of the distributor A, and displayed (inST312X described above) by the terminal device 10 of each viewer.

In this game, the distributor A can grow and harvest a plant (e.g.,plant 506X) by seeding in a plurality of places 504X (as an example, 16places in FIG. 14) provided in his garden 502X. As growing a pluralityof plants, an animal (e.g., animal 508X) appears and lives in the garden502X of the distributor A. The game object corresponding to the thusliving animal can be stored (registered) in association with thedistributor A in the storage unit 170X (and/or storage unit 210X) as agame object owned by the distributor A. The control parameter related tothis game object can also be calculated by various techniques describedin the present application on the basis of at least one viewingparameter.

The terminal device 10A can control at least one game object used inthis game on the basis of the viewing parameter received from thedistribution server system 20A in ST314X described above. Specifically,the terminal device 10A can first extract a game object to be controlled(“target game object”) from among a plurality of game objects used inthis game. The terminal device 10A can calculate the control parameterrelated to the extracted target game object on the basis of the viewingparameter.

The viewing parameter received by the terminal device 10A in ST314Xdescribed above can include at least one of the viewing parametersillustrated below.

-   -   (a) Total number of plurality of viewers viewing the second        video 500X currently distributed by the distributor A    -   (b) Total length of time in which each viewer viewing the second        video 500X currently distributed by the distributor A has viewed        the second video 500X    -   (c) Total number of plurality of viewers viewed the second video        500X previously distributed by the distributor A    -   (d) Total length of time in which each viewer who viewed the        second video 500X previously distributed by the distributor A        has viewed the second video 500X    -   (e) Number of times (e.g., viewing frequency) for which each        viewer viewed the second video 500X previously distributed by        the distributor A has viewed the second video per unit time

Additionally, “the plurality of viewers viewing the second video 500X”or “each viewer viewing the second video 500X” mentioned here can beunderstood to mean viewers (users of the terminal device 10 receivingthe second video 500X) viewing the second video 500X distributed by theterminal device 10A of the distributor A while not executing(distributing) the game. Similarly, “the plurality of viewers viewed thesecond video 500X” or “each viewer viewed the second video 500X”mentioned here can be understood to mean viewers (users of the terminaldevice 10 received the second video 500X) viewed the second video 500Xdistributed by the terminal device 10A of the distributor A while notexecuting (distributing) the game at the same time of distribution ofthis second video 500X.

In order for the terminal device 10A to extract the game object to becontrolled from among the plurality of game objects, in one embodiment,it is possible to use an data table (not illustrated) having beenreceived and/or to be received from the web server device 20B, the(distribution server device 200 a of the) distribution server system20A, and/or the like. Such data table can include, in association witheach game, a distribution time slot of the game, game objectidentification data for identifying at least one target game object tobe controlled, and calculation data indicative of which controlparameter of each target game object and how to calculate (increase ordecrease). By searching the data table by using the currently executedgame and the current date and time as a search key, the terminal device10A can identify at least one target game object and can identify how tocalculate the control parameter related to the target game object.

The target game object can include an avatar and/or a character operatedby the distributor A. In this case, control parameters including thepoint, level, and growing power (e.g., if the growing power is large,the time for growing the seed buried in the garden 502X can beshortened) of the avatar and/or the character can be calculated(increased or decreased) in accordance with the viewing parameter.

The target game object can include a game object acquired by thedistributor A. The game object acquired by the distributor A caninclude, for example, items, points (such as points acquired when theplant is harvested in the garden 502X), rewards (such as rewardsacquired when the plant is harvested in the garden 502X), and characters(such as animals appearing in the garden 502X, seeds that can be buriedin the garden 502X). In this case, the control parameters including theidentification data, value, type, and time required for harvesting ofthe game object acquired by the distributor A can be calculated(increased or decreased) in accordance with the viewing parameter.

In such a game, the terminal device 10A can calculate control parametersrelated to the game object acquired and/or operated by the distributor Aon the basis of the viewing parameter (so as to be in proportion to theviewing parameter in particular). Thus, the terminal device 10A cangenerate at least one event of the following events, for example, thatbecome more advantageous to the distributor A.

-   -   Reduce the difficulty level of the game.    -   Allow the distributor A to acquire more game objects        (characters, points, rewards, levels, and the like).    -   Allow the distributor A to acquire more valuable game objects        (rarer animals and seeds, higher points and rewards, and the        like).

In particular, for example, the more the total number (viewing parameter(a)) of viewers viewing the second video 500X distributed by thedistributor A is, the more advantageously the distributor A can play thegame by occurrence of such an event. As a result, for the purpose ofplaying the game more advantageously, the distributor A is expected toattract customers by SNS, mail, telephone, and/or speech prior to thedistribution of the second video 500X. This can also increase the totalnumber of users using the video distribution system.

Such an effect is similarly obtained not only in a case of using theviewing parameter (a) as the viewing parameter but also in a case ofusing at least one of the viewing parameters (b) to (e).

In relation to the parameter (e) regarding the viewing frequency inparticular, when viewers whose viewing frequency exceeds a firstthreshold exist in equal to or greater than a second threshold (thismeans there are many regular users regarding the second video of thedistributor A) in the plurality of viewers viewing the second video500X, a first bonus can be given to the distributor A. This first bonusis also an aspect of the game object. Also when viewers whose viewingfrequency is less than a third threshold exists in equal to or greaterthan a fourth threshold (this means there are many first-time viewersregarding the second video of the distributor A) in the plurality ofviewers viewing the second video 500X, a second bonus can be given tothe distributor A. This second bonus is also an aspect of the gameobject.

In one embodiment, when receiving token data (in ST324X described above)from the terminal device 10 of the viewer, the terminal device 10A candisplay, in the second video 500X, the token identified by the tokenidentification data included in the token data. As illustrated in FIG.14, such token may be a new seed 510X that the distributor A can plantin the garden 502X, a point 512X that the distributor A acquires, and/orthe animal 508X that appears in the garden 502X.

In relation with such token, in one embodiment, the terminal device 10Acan also calculate (increase or decrease) the control parameter of thetarget game object on the basis of the token data received from theterminal device 10 of each viewer. Specifically, for example, theterminal device 10A can calculate (in favor of the distributor A inparticular) the control parameter related to the game object acquiredand/or operated by the distributor A, each time receiving token dataand/or so as to be proportional to the total number of pieces of tokendata received per unit time. Such control parameter calculation can beperformed in a similar manner to the control parameter calculation onthe basis of the viewing parameter described above.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, when receiving comment data (in ST324Xdescribed above) from the terminal device 10 of the viewer, the terminaldevice 10A can display, in the second video 500X, the comment contentdata included in the comment data. Such comment can be displayed in acomment region 514X as illustrated in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14,information “viewer B” and “the animal is cute” can be displayed in thecomment region 514X of the second video 500X on the basis of the senderidentification data and the comment content data in the comment datareceived from the terminal device 10 of the viewer B via thedistribution server system 20A. Similarly, information “viewer D” and“I've given you a gift.” can be displayed in the comment region 514X onthe basis of the sender identification data and the comment content datain the comment data received from the terminal device 10 of the viewer Dvia the distribution server system 20A.

In relation with such comment, in one embodiment, the terminal device10A can also calculate (increase or decrease) the control parameter ofthe target game object on the basis of the comment data received fromthe terminal device 10 of each viewer. Specifically, in the firstexample, the terminal device 10A can calculate (in favor of thedistributor A in particular) the control parameter related to the gameobject acquired and/or operated by the distributor A, each timereceiving comment data and/or so as to be proportional to the totalnumber of pieces of comment data received per unit time.

Such control parameter calculation can be performed in a similar mannerto the control parameter calculation on the basis of the viewingparameter described above.

In the second example, the terminal device 10A can calculate (in favorof the distributor A in particular) the control parameter related to thegame object acquired and/or operated by the distributor A, on the basisof at least one piece of the following data (A) to data (C) included inthe comment content (comment body text) of one or more pieces of thecomment data received from the terminal device 10 of each viewer.

-   -   (Data A) Number of specific keywords (e.g., positive keywords)        in comment body text

When the number of the specific keywords described above exceeds thethreshold, the terminal device 10A can calculate (in favor of thedistributor A in particular) the control parameter related to the gameobject acquired and/or operated by the distributor A. The specifickeyword described above is stored in advance by the terminal device 10A,the server device 20, or the like.

-   -   (Data B) Result of classifying comment body text by artificial        intelligence

By inputting the comment body text to a learning model generated inadvance by the terminal device 10A, the server device 20, or the like,the terminal device 10A can cause the learning model to estimate as towhich of a plurality of groups this comment body text belongs to. Here,the plurality of groups can include, for example, a group G1 of commentswith extremely positive contents, a group G2 of comments with verypositive contents, a group G3 of comments with normal contents, and agroup G4 of comments with negative contents. As a result of theclassification by the learning model, the terminal device 10A cancalculate the control parameter related to the game object acquiredand/or operated by the distributor A in proportion to the degree ofpositiveness of the comment body text so that the distributor A becomesmore advantageous. The learning model can be generated on the basis of adiscretionary technology including machine learning (deep learning inparticular) and reinforcement learning.

As the learning model, the terminal device 10A can use the learningmodel stored in the terminal device 10A, and can use the learning modelstored in the server device 20 or the like.

-   -   (Data C) Number of characters in comment body text

When the number of characters in the comment body text exceeds thethreshold, the terminal device 10A can calculate the control parameterrelated to the game object acquired and/or operated by the distributor Aso that the distributor A becomes advantageous. The large number ofcharacters in the comment body text can mean that there is a viewerenthusiastic about the distributor A or the second video distributed bythe distributor A.

Similarly to the comment data described above, the terminal device 10Acan also receive an evaluation for the distributor A from the terminaldevice 10 of each viewer via the distribution server system 20A. Theevaluation for the distributor A may also be a discretionary evaluationincluding “like”, “agree”, and “share”. Such evaluation can be receivedby the terminal device 10 of the distributor A from the terminal device10 of each viewer via the distribution server system 20A in the samemanner as the above-mentioned token data and comment data. A pluralityof pieces of the above-mentioned token data, comment data, andevaluation can be used in combination with one another for calculationof a control parameter related to the target game object.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the second video 500X canalso include a region 516X in which a game object set on the basis ofthe total number of viewers per unit time is displayed. As explainedwith reference to FIG. 12A, in ST314X, as one aspect of viewingparameter, the terminal device 10A can receive the total number ofviewers viewing the second video 500X for each unit time. This unit timecan preferably be a time (fixed or variable) falling within the range of1 minute to 20 minutes. More preferably, this unit time can be a time(fixed or variable) falling within the range of 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

In the example of FIG. 14, as many game objects 518X as the numberproportional to the total number of viewers per unit time (four gameobjects 518X as an example in FIG. 14) can be displayed in the region516X. For example, display using at least one of the following aspectsis considered.

-   -   As many game objects 518X as the total number of viewers can be        displayed in the region 516X (in the case of FIG. 14, since four        game objects 518X are displayed, the total number is 4).    -   As many game objects 518X as the number obtained by dividing the        total number of viewers by a predetermined number (e.g., 10) can        be displayed in the region 516X (in the case of FIG. 14, since        four game objects 518X are displayed, the total number is 40 to        49).    -   A number, symbol, and/or character representing the total number        itself of viewers can be displayed in the region 516X (in the        case of FIG. 14, a combination 520X of a number and character of        “45 viewers” can be displayed as the total number of viewers).

Compared with a configuration in which the total number of viewers isdisplayed at intervals such as every second, e.g., in a real-time manner(this configuration is also included in the technology disclosed in thepresent application), as illustrated in FIG. 14, by displaying the totalnumber of viewers for each unit time, it is possible to suppress thecommunication amount generated between the terminal device 10A and thedistribution server system 20A.

Even if the total number of viewers actually decreases after the totalnumber of viewers in a certain unit time (first unit time) is displayed,before the total number of viewers in the next unit time (second unittime) is displayed, the fact that the total number has decreased in thatmanner is not presented to the distributor A until the total number ofviewers in the second unit time is actually displayed. Thus, for theperiod from the first unit time to the second unit time, the distributorA is supposed to continue to recognize the total number of viewers inthe first unit time. Therefore, by understanding that the second video500X that the distributor A himself is distributing is viewed by a largenumber of viewers (more than the total number of actual viewers), thedistributor A can maintain motivation for distributing the second video500X. In this sense, the unit time is more preferably a moderately longtime (e.g., 5 to 10 minutes).

6. Variations

In the various embodiments described above, the case in which theterminal device 10A distributes the second video 500X regarding theplant growing game has been described. However, the terminal device 10Acan distribute the second video 500X regarding a discretionary game. Thediscretionary game can include, for example, action games, simulationgames, role-playing games, card games, puzzle games, shooter games, quizgames, social simulation games, board games, lottery (loot box) games,and/or sports games, without being limited thereto.

Also in the case of distributing the second video 500X regarding anygame, the terminal device 10A can calculate the control parameterrelated to the target game object so as to be proportional to at leastone viewing parameter of the above-described viewing parameters (a) to(e).

In a growing game for growing animals and plants in particular, at leastone operation of the following operations can be performed.

-   -   Cost (one of the target game objects) required for the        distributor A for producing plants and animals is reduced in        proportion to at least one viewing parameter of the viewing        parameters (a) to (e).    -   Coin or reward (one of the target game objects) acquired by the        distributor A by producing plants and animals is increased in        proportion to at least one viewing parameter of the viewing        parameters (a) to (e).    -   Animal born by hatching an egg (plant grown by seeding) (both        are target game objects) becomes a rarer animal/plant and/or a        more expensive animal/plant in proportion to at least one        viewing parameter of the viewing parameters (a) to (e).

The control parameters (discretionary control parameters includingcosts, coins, and rewards) of the game object thus varying depending onthe viewing parameter can be displayed by the user interface on the gamescreen together with data regarding the variation amount.

Specifically, with a parameter (a) as an example, as illustrated in FIG.15, when the total number of viewers viewing the second video 500Xexceeds the threshold of 40, for example, a game screen 500X displays,via a pop-up 800X (one aspect of the user interface), informationindicating that the coin (reward) given to the distributor A when aplant is harvested increases from 100 coins obtained in a normal case to400 coins by applying a bonus magnification (×4). This user interfacemay be displayed only to the distributor A, or may be displayed to eachviewer in addition to the distributor A.

In another example, with a parameter (b) as an example, as illustratedin FIG. 16, when the total viewing time by the viewer viewing the secondvideo 500X exceeds a threshold of 5 hours, for example, the game screen500X can display, via a plant selection screen 900X (one aspect of theuser interface), information indicating that the cost required forplanting a new plant seed is halved by applying a bonus magnification(×0.5). This user interface may be displayed only to the distributor A,or may be displayed to each viewer in addition to the distributor A.

In a fighting game (kind of action game) in particular, at least oneoperation of the following operations can be performed.

-   -   At least one control parameter (e.g., physical strength, attack        power, defense power, and mobility) of the character and/or        avatar operated by the distributor (or, a friend character        and/or friend avatar moving in cooperation with the distributor)        increases in proportion to at least one viewing parameter of the        viewing parameters (a) to (e).    -   At least one control parameter (e.g., physical strength, attack        power, defense power, and mobility) of the character and/or        avatar opposing the character and/or avatar operated by the        distributor decreases in proportion to at least one viewing        parameter of the viewing parameters (a) to (e).

Similarly, also in this case, the control parameters (discretionarycontrol parameters including physical strength, attack power, anddefense power) of the game object varying depending on the viewingparameter can be displayed by a discretionary user interface on the gamescreen together with information regarding the variation amount.

In a lottery (loot box) game in particular, an operation can beperformed in which the probability for the distributor A to acquire amore expensive and/or rarer prize (such as an item) in proportion to atleast one viewing parameter of the viewing parameters (a) to (e).

Furthermore, in a game for maneuvering troops such as a real-timestrategy game in particular, an operation can be performed in which thetotal number of troops that the distributor A can maneuvers (or thetotal number of troops opposing the distributor A) increases (ordecreases) in proportion to at least one viewing parameter of theviewing parameters (a) to (e).

Furthermore, in any type of game, the distributor may acquire the gameobject (discretionary game object including items, points, rewards, andphysical strength) on the basis of at least one viewing parameter of thevarious viewing parameters including the viewing parameters (a) to (e)described above.

Specifically, it is possible to set a threshold as one or more stages ofachievement target value for each of at least one viewing parameter ofthe various viewing parameters (may include the viewing parameters (a)to (e) described above) including, for example, the number ofsimultaneous viewers, the number of accumulated viewers, the accumulatednumber of viewers who have viewed the video for five minutes or more,the accumulated viewing time of viewers, the accumulated number ofviewers who have given a token to the distributor, and the accumulatedpoints of the token acquired by the distributor.

Each time these thresholds are achieved by the corresponding viewingparameters, the game objects corresponding to the thresholds can begiven to the distributor. For example, for the viewing parameter of thenumber of simultaneous viewers, a case in which 10 is set as the firstthreshold in the first stage, and 50 is set as the second threshold inthe second stage is considered. In this case, the game objectcorresponding to the first threshold can be given to the distributor atthe time point when this viewing parameter reaches the first threshold,and the game object corresponding to the second threshold can be givento the distributor at the time point when the viewing parameter reachesthe second threshold.

Thus, a control parameter (threshold associated with a viewingparameter) related to a specific game object acquired by thedistributor, the control parameter indicative of a condition to besatisfied by the distributor for acquiring this specific game object,can be compared (aspect of calculation) with the at least one viewingparameter described above. The control parameter (threshold associatedwith the viewing parameter) related to such specific game object isreached by the at least one viewing parameter described above, wherebythe specific game object can be stored (registered) in association withthe distributor A as a game object owned by the distributor A.

In the various embodiments described above, the case in which in orderto generate a video (second video) regarding the game, the terminaldevice 10 of the distributor receives, from the web server device 20B,an HTML (HTML5, in particular) document in which a game program isincorporated has been described. However, instead of the configurationof receiving, from the web server device 20B, an HTML document in whicha game program is incorporated, the terminal device 10 of thedistributor can also generate the second video including a screenregarding the game by executing the installed video distributionapplication and receiving appropriate data from a data server device notillustrated (or a certain server device not illustrated included in thedistribution server system 20A).

In the various embodiments described above, the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor may be a smartphone or the like used by a general user,or may be a dedicated terminal device installed in a studio or the like.In this case, at least one server device of the distribution serverdevice 200 a, the DB server device 200 b, and the game API server device200 c that are included in the distribution server system 20A (as wellas the web server device 20B) may be provided together with thededicated terminal device in the studio or the like.

In the various embodiments described above, the case in which, on thebasis of motion data regarding the motion of the distributor and voicedata regarding the voice of the distributor, the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor generates the first video including the animationincluding the avatar of this distributor, and transmits the first videoto the server device 20 has been described. However, the terminal device10 of the distributor may transmit the motion data regarding the motionof the distributor and the voice data regarding the voice of thedistributor to the server device 20, and the server device 20 maygenerate a video on the basis of the motion data and the voice data anddistribute the video to the terminal device 10 of each viewer. This canreduce the amount of data transmitted from the terminal device 10 of thedistributor to the distribution server system 20A.

Alternatively, the terminal device 10 of the distributor may transmitthe motion data regarding the motion of the distributor and the voicedata regarding the voice of the distributor to a separately providedserver device, this separate server device may generate a video on thebasis of the motion data and the voice data and return it to theterminal device 10 of the distributor, and the terminal device 10 of thedistributor may transmit the received video to the server device 20.This can reduce the amount of data transmitted from the terminal device10 of the distributor to the separately provided server device 20.

Furthermore, the terminal device 10 of the distributor may transmit themotion data regarding the motion of the distributor and the voice dataregarding the voice of the distributor to the terminal device 10 of eachviewer via the server device 20 or the separately provided serverdevice, and the terminal device 10 of each viewer may generate (render)and display a video on the basis of the received motion data and voicedata (this technique is sometimes referred to as “client rendering”).This can reduce the amount of data transmitted from the server device 20or the separately provided server device to the terminal device 10 ofeach viewer.

In any of the above cases, the generation of a video on the basis of themotion data and the voice data transmitted by the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor may be shared by at least two devices from among theserver device 20, the separate server device, and the terminal device 10of each viewer. In either case, the device responsible for generation ofthe video can receive, from, for example, the server device 20 or thelike, and store data (image and the like) regarding the avatar to beoperated.

Furthermore, in any case, the token data, comment data, and/orevaluation-related data transmitted by the terminal device 10 of eachviewer can be transmitted by a discretionary method to a deviceresponsible for generation of a video from among the server device 20,the separate server device, and the terminal device 10 of each viewer.Thus, the device generating the video can execute processing on thebasis of received token data (e.g., displaying the token object in thevideo), execute processing on the basis of received comment data (e.g.,displaying the comment in the video), and/or execute processing on thebasis of received evaluation-related data (e.g., displaying theevaluation in the video). In either case, the device responsible forgeneration of the video can receive, from, for example, the serverdevice 20 or the like, and store data (image and the like) correspondingto various tokens to be used.

In the various embodiments described above, the motion of each of theterminal devices 10 described above can be executed similarly by thestudio unit 30 having a similar configuration to that of the terminaldevice 10. In this case, the studio unit 30A illustrated in FIG. 9 canhave a similar function to that of the terminal device 10 fordistributing a video. Similarly, the studio unit 30B illustrated in FIG.9 can have a similar function to that of the terminal device 10 forviewing a video. The motion of each of the server devices 20 describedabove can be executed also by the studio unit 30 having the similarconfiguration to that of the server device 20.

In general, if a game program has been installed in the terminal device10, or if a game program has been incorporated in a video distributionapplication installed in the terminal device 10, execution of a new gamerequires the terminal device 10 to have a new game program or videodistribution application incorporating the new game program installed.In this case, from the point of view of the creator of the game program,it is necessary to prepare a game program corresponding to each of aplurality of operating systems, and thus there is a problem of anincrease in the man-hour used for the creation of the game program. Onthe other hand, from the point of view of the user, it is necessary todownload a new game program and/or to update an existing game program inorder to obtain a new game, and thus there is a problem of requiringcommunication load, communication cost, time, and labor.

On the other hand, according to the technology disclosed in the presentapplication, in order to execute the game, the terminal device 10A ofthe distributor can call the browser function incorporated in the videodistribution application, instead of executing the game programinstalled in this terminal device 10A, can receive a web page (HTMLdocument, particularly HTML5 document) from the web server device 20B byusing this browser function, and can execute the game programincorporated in the web page. This allows the terminal device 10A of thedistributor to easily execute the new game. Therefore, when providing anew game, the creator of the game program only has to incorporate thenew game program into the web page (HTML document, particularly HTML5document) transmitted by the web server device 20B, and it is hencepossible to reduce the number of man-hours used for creation of the newgame program. Furthermore, since the user does not need to download anew game program or the like in order to be provided with the new game,it is possible to suppress communication load, communication cost, time,and labor.

In the above-described various embodiments, when executing the videodistribution application, communicating with the distribution serversystem 20A, and distributing the first video, the terminal device 10A ofthe distributor A executes the browser function incorporated in thisvideo distribution application, whereby the terminal device 10A of thedistributor A executes the program included in the web page receivedfrom the web server device 20B, and distributes the second video to theterminal device 10 of each viewer via the distribution server system20A. However, such configuration is merely an example.

For example, the terminal device 10A of the distributor A can alsodistribute the second video without distributing the first video.Specifically, in the first example, by executing the video distributionapplication and executing the browser function incorporated in the videodistribution application, the terminal device 10A of the distributor Acan execute a program included in the web page received from the webserver device 20B (without distributing the first video by using thevideo distribution application), and distribute the second video to theterminal device 10 of each viewer via the distribution server system20A. In this configuration, the distributor A does not distribute thefirst video on the basis of the performance of the distributor himselfbut can distribute only the second video showing the situation of thegame that the distributor himself executes.

In the second example, by executing an installed game application andaccessing the distribution server system 20A, which also functions as agame server device, the terminal device 10A of the distributor A candistribute the screen of the game being executed to the terminal device10 of each viewer via the distribution server system 20A. Also in thesefirst and second examples, as in the various embodiments describedabove, the terminal device 10A of the distributor A can generate thesecond video by using the viewing parameter received from thedistribution server system 20A.

In the third example, in the first example or the second example, theterminal device 10A of the distributor A can transmit operation data ofthe distributor A to the web server device 20B or the distributionserver system 20A without generating a game screen. In this case, theweb server device 20B or the distribution server system 20A can generatea game screen by using the operation data, and the distribution serversystem 20A can distribute the second video including the generated gamescreen to the terminal device 10 of each viewer. In this third example,when generating a game screen, the web server device 20B can use theviewing parameters received from the distribution server system 20A.When the distribution server system 20A generates a game screen, thedistribution server system 20A can use a viewing parameter managed bythe distribution server system 20A itself.

As will be readily understood to a person of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the present disclosure, the various examplesdescribed above can be used in various suitable combinations with eachother as long as they do not cause inconsistencies.

Thus, according to the various embodiments described above, the secondvideo can be generated by calculating the control parameter related tothe target game object on the basis of the viewing parameter regardingviewing by at least one viewer regarding the current or past secondvideo of the distributor. Thus, since it is possible to play the gamemore advantageously by attracting more viewers viewing the own secondvideo, the distributor is motivated to attract customers. Therefore, itis possible to increase the number of users using the video distributionservice.

Thus, the technology disclosed in the present application can provide acomputer program, a method, and a server device that can encouragedistributors to attract viewers.

Also, in ordinary systems, when viewers wish to affect the game playedby a distributor, they need to use their terminal devices to sendtokens, messages, or comments, etc. to the distributor, which occupiescommunication network resources. According to the technology disclosedin the present application, all the viewers have to do in order toaffect the game played by the distributor (e.g. to help the distributorplay the game advantageously) is to view the videos (game screens), etc.distributed by the distributor. This may allow a server device (whichcommunicates with the terminal devices of the distributor and theviewers) as well as these terminal devices to effectively save ordecrease communication network loads.

Further, according to the technology disclosed in the presentapplication, the device of the distributor is able to calculate acontrol parameter related to a selected game object used in the game onthe basis of viewer data so that the distributor is able to play thegame advantageously. Therefore, as the distributor is able to completethe game more quickly, the terminal device of the distributor is ableto: save the power consumption of the device; extend the battery life ofthe device; decrease CPU/memory loads; and/or decrease communicationnetwork loads. This is also true with the server device and the terminaldevices of the viewers.

7. Various Aspects.

A computer program according to a first aspect of the disclosedtechnology can be “a computer program configured to, when executed by atleast one processor, to cause the at least one processor to: distributea first video including an animation of an avatar of a distributorgenerated on the basis of motion data related to motion of thedistributor or the motion data, via a communication line, towardterminal devices of a plurality of viewers; distribute a second videorelated to a game generated on the basis of operation data related tooperation of the distributor using a received web page, via thecommunication line, toward the terminal devices of the plurality ofviewers; obtain at least one viewing parameter regarding viewing of atleast one viewer among the plurality of viewers, via the communicationline; extract a game object to be controlled among a plurality of gameobjects used in the game; and calculate a control parameter related tothe game object on the basis of the at least one viewing parameter.”

In the computer program according to a second aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one viewing parameter is related to viewing ofat least one viewer among the plurality of viewers viewing the secondvideo without executing a game” in the first aspect.

In the computer program according to a third aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one viewing parameter includes a total numberof the plurality of viewers, viewing time of the at least one viewer,and/or, a frequency with which the at least one viewer viewed the secondvideo distributed by the distributor” in one of the preceding aspects.

In the computer program according to a fourth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the computer program is configured to cause the at leastone processor to calculate a control parameter related to a game objectacquired or operated by the distributor in the game on the basis of theat least one viewing parameter” in one of the preceding aspects.

In the computer program according to a fifth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the computer program is configured to cause the at leastone processor to calculate a control parameter related to a game objectacquired by the distributor in the game on the basis of the at least oneviewing parameter, wherein the game object acquired by the distributorincludes an item, equipment, a point, a reward, a coin, a card, and/or,a character” in the fourth aspect.

In the computer program according to a sixth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the computer program is configured to cause the at leastone processor to calculate a control parameter related to a game objectoperated by the distributor in the game on the basis of the at least oneviewing parameter, wherein the game object operated by the distributorinclude a character and/or an avatar” in the fourth aspect.

In the computer program according to a seventh aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “wherein the at least one viewing parameter is the totalnumber of the plurality of viewers, the computer program is configuredto cause the at least one processor to calculate a control parameterrelated to the game object acquired or operated by the first distributoron the basis of the total number to: reduce a difficulty level of thegame played by the first distributor; allow the first distributor toacquire a more game object; and/or, allow the first distributor toacquire a more valuable game object” in one of the preceding aspects.

In the computer program according to an eighth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the computer program is configured to cause the at leastone processor to: receive giving data indicative of giving a token, acomment, or, an evaluation to the distributor transmitted by a terminaldevice of any viewer out of the plurality of viewers; and calculate, onthe basis of the giving data, a control parameter related to the gameobject to be used in the game” in one of the preceding aspects.

In the computer program according to a ninth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the computer program is configured to cause the at leastone processor to: obtain a total number of the plurality of viewers foreach unit time from a server device distributing the second video to theplurality of viewers and update the total number; and display, in thegame, the updated total number and/or a game object set on the basis ofthe updated total number” in one of the preceding aspects.

In the computer program according to a tenth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in one of thepreceding aspects.

In the computer program according to an eleventh aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

A computer program according to a twelfth aspect of the disclosedtechnology can be “a computer program configured to, when executed by atleast one processor, to cause the at least one processor to: receive afirst video including an animation of an avatar of a distributorgenerated on the basis of motion data related to motion of thedistributor, or the motion data, via a communication line; receive asecond video related to a game generated by a terminal device of thedistributor on the basis of operation data related to operation of thedistributor using a received web page, via the communication line; andreceive, from the terminal device of the distributor, the second videoincluding a game object, a control parameter related to the game objecthaving been calculated on the basis of at least one viewing parameterrelated to viewing of at least one viewer out of a plurality of viewersviewing the second video.”

In the computer program according to a thirteenth aspect of thedisclosed technology, “the communication line includes the Internet” inthe twelfth aspect.

In the computer program according to a fourteenth aspect of thedisclosed technology, “the at least one processor includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processingunit (GPU)” in one of the preceding aspects.

A method according to a fifteenth aspect of the disclosed technology canbe “a method executed by at least one processor executingcomputer-readable instructions, including: with the at least oneprocessor executing the instructions, distributing a first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of a distributor generated on thebasis of motion data related to motion of the distributor or the motiondata, via a communication line, toward terminal devices of a pluralityof viewers; distributing a second video related to a game generated onthe basis of operation data related to operation of the distributorusing a received web page, via the communication line, toward theterminal devices of the plurality of viewers; obtain at least oneviewing parameter regarding viewing of at least one viewer among theplurality of viewers, via the communication line; extracting a gameobject to be controlled among a plurality of game objects used in thegame; and calculating a control parameter related to the game object onthe basis of the at least one viewing parameter.”

In the method according to a sixteenth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in thefifteenth aspect.

In the method according to a seventeenth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

A method according to an eighteenth aspect of the disclosed technologycan be “a method executed by at least one processor executingcomputer-readable instructions, including: with the at least oneprocessor executing the instructions, receiving a first video includingan animation of an avatar of a distributor generated on the basis ofmotion data related to motion of the distributor, or the motion data,via a communication line; receiving a second video related to a gamegenerated by a terminal device of the distributor on the basis ofoperation data related to operation of the distributor using a receivedweb page, via the communication line; and receiving, from the terminaldevice of the distributor, the second video including a game object, acontrol parameter related to the game object having been calculated onthe basis of at least one viewing parameter related to viewing of atleast one viewer out of a plurality of viewers viewing the secondvideo.”

In the method according to a nineteenth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in theeighteenth aspect.

In the method according to a twentieth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

A server device according to a twenty first aspect of the disclosedtechnology can be “a server device, comprising at least one processor,wherein the at least one processor is configured to: distribute a firstvideo including an animation of an avatar of a distributor generated onthe basis of motion data related to motion of the distributor or themotion data, toward terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via acommunication line; distribute, a second video related to a gamegenerated by a terminal device of the distributor on the basis ofoperation data related to operation of the distributor using a receivedweb page, toward the terminal devices of the plurality of viewers viathe communication line; and receive, from the terminal device of thedistributor, the second video including a game object, a controlparameter related to the game object having been calculated on the basisof at least one viewing parameter related to viewing of at least oneviewer out of a plurality of viewers viewing the second video.”

In the server device according to a twenty second aspect of thedisclosed technology, “the communication line includes the Internet” inthe twenty first aspect.

In the server device according to a twenty third aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

A server device according to a twenty fourth aspect of the disclosedtechnology can be “a server device, comprising at least one processor,wherein the at least one processor is configured to transmit a web pageincluding a computer program to a terminal device of a distributor,wherein the terminal device is configured to: distribute a first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of the distributor generated on thebasis of motion data related to motion of the distributor or the motiondata, toward terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via acommunication line; and distribute, a second video related to a gamegenerated on the basis of operation data related to operation of thedistributor using a received web page, toward the terminal devices ofthe plurality of viewers via the communication line, wherein thecomputer program is configured to cause the terminal device of thedistributor to: obtain, via the communication line, at least one viewingparameter related to viewing of at least one viewer out of the pluralityof viewers; extract a game object to be controlled among a plurality ofgame objects used in the game; and calculate a control parameter relatedto the game object.”

In the server device according to a twenty fifth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in the twentyfourth aspect.

In the server device according to a twenty sixth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

A method according to a twenty seventh aspect of the disclosedtechnology can be “a method executed by at least one processor executingcomputer-readable instructions, including, with the at least oneprocessor executing the instructions, distributing a first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of a distributor generated on thebasis of motion data related to motion of the distributor or the motiondata, toward terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via acommunication line; distributing, a second video related to a gamegenerated by a terminal device of the distributor on the basis ofoperation data related to operation of the distributor using a receivedweb page, toward the terminal devices of the plurality of viewers viathe communication line; and receiving, from the terminal device of thedistributor, the second video including a game object, a controlparameter related to the game object having been calculated on the basisof at least one viewing parameter related to viewing of at least oneviewer out of a plurality of viewers viewing the second video.”

In the method according to a twenty eighth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in the twentyseventh aspect.

In the method according to a twenty ninth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

A method according to a thirtieth aspect of the disclosed technology canbe “a method executed by at least one processor executingcomputer-readable instructions, including, with the at least oneprocessor executing the instructions, transmitting a web page includinga computer program to a terminal device of a distributor, wherein theterminal device is configured to: distribute a first video including ananimation of an avatar of the distributor generated on the basis ofmotion data related to motion of the distributor or the motion data,toward terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via a communicationline; and distribute, a second video related to a game generated on thebasis of operation data related to operation of the distributor using areceived web page, toward the terminal devices of the plurality ofviewers via the communication line, wherein the computer program isconfigured to cause the terminal device of the distributor to: obtain,via the communication line, at least one viewing parameter related toviewing of at least one viewer out of the plurality of viewers; extracta game object to be controlled among a plurality of game objects used inthe game; and calculate a control parameter related to the game object.”

In the method according to a thirty first aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in thethirtieth aspect.

In the method according to a thirty second aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

III. Third Embodiment

1. Configuration of Video Distribution System

In a video distribution system disclosed in the present application,simply put, a user who performs distribution (hereinafter referred to as“distributor”) can distribute, by using his terminal device, the firstvideo and the second video to a terminal device of a user who views thevideo (hereinafter referred to as “viewer”) via a communication line.The first video is a video including an animation of an avatar generatedon the basis of motion data regarding the motion of the distributor. Thesecond video is a video regarding a game generated on the basis ofoperation data regarding the operation of the distributor.

The viewer who viewed the second video distributed by the distributorcan acquire a game object (acquired game object) usable in a specificgame as a subsequent distributor. Such subsequent distributor candistribute a third video and a fourth video to the terminal device ofthe viewer via the communication line. The third video is a videoincluding an animation of an avatar generated on the basis of motiondata regarding the motion of the subsequent distributor. The fourthvideo is a video regarding the specific game generated on the basis ofoperation data regarding the operation of the subsequent distributor.The subsequent distributor can use the acquired game object in thespecific game described above.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration ofthe video distribution system according to an embodiment. As shown inFIG. 17, the video distribution system 1 can include a plurality ofterminal devices 10 connected to a communication line (communicationnetwork) not illustrated, and one or more server devices 20 connected tothe communication line. Each terminal device 10 can be connected to oneor more server devices 20 via the communication line.

Additionally, as the plurality of terminal devices 10, FIG. 17 shows,for example, terminal devices 10A to 10D, but one or more terminaldevices 10 other than them can be used similarly. Similarly, FIG. 17shows as one or more server devices 20, for example, server devices 20Aand 20B, but one or more server devices 20 other than them can be usedsimilarly. The communication line (not shown) can include a mobiletelephone network, a wireless network (e.g., RF connections viaBluetooth, WiFi (such as IEEE 802.11a/b/n), WiMax, cellular, satellite,laser, infrared), a fixed telephone network, the Internet, an intranet,a local area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), and/or anEthernet network, without being limited thereto. In a virtual hostenvironment, the communication line(s) can be a virtualized networkconnection provided by the virtual host.

In an embodiment, the video distribution system 1 can include one ormore studio units 30 connected to the communication line. Each studiounit 30 can be connected to one or more server devices 20 or theplurality of terminal devices 10 via the communication line.Additionally, as one or more studio units 30, FIG. 17 shows, forexample, studio units 30A and 30B, but one or more studio units 30 otherthan them can be used similarly. Each studio unit 30 can have a similarfunction to that of the terminal device 10 described later or the serverdevice 20.

In order to simplify the description, attention will be paid to a casein which one or the plurality of server devices 20 transmit/receivevideos, token data, and the like to/from each terminal device 10. Inplace of this or in addition to this, as will be described later, one orthe plurality of server devices 20 can also transmit/receive videos,token data, and the like to/from each studio unit 30. In place of thisor in addition to this, as will be described later, the studio unit 30can also transmit/receive videos, token data, and the like to/from eachterminal device 10.

1-1. Terminal Device 10

The plurality of terminal devices 10 can include one or more distributorterminal devices 10 (here, terminal device 10A) and one or more viewerterminal devices 10 (here, terminal device 10B to the terminal device10D). Each terminal device 10 has a common configuration and can thus beeither a terminal device (terminal device 10 of the distributor) fordistributing a video or a terminal device (terminal device 10 of theviewer) for viewing a video.

In a case of operating as a terminal device (distributor terminaldevice) for distributing a video, each terminal device 10 can execute aninstalled video distribution application (may also be middleware or acombination of an application and middleware. The same shall applyhereinafter). Thus, each terminal device 10 can acquire motion dataregarding the motion of the distributor, and can transmit, to the serverdevice 20 (distribution server system 20A) via the communication line,the first video including an animation of a virtual character (avatar)changed according to the acquired data. Such the first video isdistributed by the server device 20 (distribution server system 20A) tothe terminal device (viewer terminal device) 10 for receiving the videovia the communication line. Such the terminal device 10 of the viewercan receive a video by executing an installed video viewing application(may also be middleware or a combination of an application andmiddleware. The same shall apply hereinafter).

When operating as a terminal device of the distributor, each terminaldevice 10 can execute a browser function incorporated in the installedvideo distribution application and/or execute an installed web browserapplication. This allows each terminal device 10 to receive a web page(for example, an HTML document, including in some examples, HTMLdocuments encoding code such as JavaScript or PHT code) from the serverdevice 20 (web server device 20B) and execute a game program included inthis web page. By executing the game program, each terminal device 10can generate a second video in which at least one game object is causedto act on the basis of operation data related to an operation of thedistributor.

When operating as a terminal device of the distributor, each terminaldevice 10 can transmit, by executing the video distribution application,the second video thus generated to the server device 20 (distributionserver system 20A) via the communication line. Such the second video isalso distributed by the server device 20 (distribution server system20A) via a communication line to a terminal device (terminal device ofthe viewer) 10 for receiving a video which executes an installed videoviewing application.

Furthermore, when operating as a distributor terminal device, byexecuting the above-described video distribution application, eachterminal device 10 can receive, via the server device 20 (distributionserver system 20A), from the terminal device 10 of the viewer viewingthe second video (distributed by the terminal device 10 of thisdistributor), token data indicative of giving a token to thisdistributor, and/or comment data indicative of transmitting a comment tothis distributor.

On the other hand, when operating as a terminal device (viewer terminaldevice) for viewing a video, by executing the installed video viewingapplication, each terminal device 10 can receive, via the server device20 (distribution server system 20A), the first video and/or the secondvideo distributed by the terminal device 10 of the distributor.

When operating as a distributor terminal device, by executing the videoviewing application, each terminal device 10 can transmit, via theserver device 20 (distribution server system 20A) to the terminal device10A of this distributor, token data indicative of giving a token to thedistributor, and/or comment data indicative of transmitting a comment tothis distributor.

Additionally, the above-described video distribution application andvideo viewing application can be installed and executed in each terminaldevice 10 as one integrated application or as separate applications.

Each terminal device 10 is any terminal device capable of executing suchoperation, and can include a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone(feature phone), and/or a personal computer, without being limitedthereto.

1-2. Server Device 20

FIG. 17 shows the server system 20A and the web server device 20B as oneor the plurality of server devices 20 as an example.

The distribution server system 20A can distribute the first video and/orthe second video transmitted by each terminal device (terminal device ofeach distributor) 10 to each terminal device (terminal device of eachviewer) 10. Furthermore, the distribution server system 20A cantransmit, to the terminal device 10 of a certain distributor, token dataindicative of giving a token to the distributor and/or comment dataindicative of transmitting a comment to the distributor that have beentransmitted by each terminal device (terminal device of each viewer) 10.

In order to execute such operation, the distribution server system 20A,in an embodiment, can include a distribution server device 2000 a, adatabase (DB) server device 2000 b, and a game API server device 2000 cthat are interconnected via a communication line (including a wirelessline and/or a wired line that are not shown).

The distribution server device 2000 a can distribute, to each terminaldevice 10, the first video and/or the second video transmitted by theterminal device 10 of each distributor. Furthermore, the distributionserver device 2000 a can store, into the DB server device 2000 b, thetoken data and/or the comment data transmitted by the terminal device 10of each viewer.

The DB server device 2000 b can store the token data and/or the commentdata received from the distribution server device 2000 a, read the tokendata and/or the comment data inquired by the game API server device 2000c, and transmit them to the game API server device 2000 c.

When receiving an inquiry about token data and/or comment data from theterminal device 10 of each distributor, the game API server device 2000c can read, from the DB server device 2000 b, the token data and/or thecomment data for the terminal device 10 of the distributor, and transmitthem to the terminal device 10 of the distributor.

The example shown in FIG. 17 shows a configuration in which thedistribution server system 20A has three server devices including thedistribution server device 2000 a, the DB server device 2000 b, and thegame API server device 2000 c for the purpose of balancing the load.However, at least one server device of these three server devices may beintegrated with at least one of the remaining server devices.

Next, the web server device 20B can transmit, to the terminal device 10of each distributor having accessed, a web page (document createdaccording to HTML, for example, HTML5) in which a game program isincorporated. This game program can cause the terminal device 10 havingreceived and decoded the game program to execute various operationsrelated to the distribution of the video, including the operationsexemplified below.

-   -   Operation of executing the game    -   Operation of transmitting, to the distribution server system 20A        (distribution server device 2000 a), a game screen generated in        accordance with execution of the game    -   Operation of acquiring, from the distribution server system 20A        (game API server device 2000 c), the token data and/or comment        data transmitted to this distributor

1-3. Studio Unit 30

The studio unit 30 can be placed in a studio, a room, a hall, or thelike that is a place where the distributor (performer) distributes avideo. As described above, the studio unit 30 can perform the samefunction as that of the terminal device 10 and/or the server device 20.

2. Hardware Configuration of Each Device

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of each of the terminaldevice 10, the server device 20, and the studio unit 30 will bedescribed.

2-1. Hardware Configuration of Terminal Device 10

An example of the hardware configuration of each terminal device 10 willbe described with reference again to FIG. 2, which was referred to withrespect to the first and second embodiments above. FIG. 2 is a blockdiagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configurationof the terminal device 10 (server device 20) shown in FIG. 9 (in FIG. 2,reference numerals in parentheses are provided in relation to the serverdevice 20, as will be described later).

As shown in FIG. 2, each terminal device 10 can mainly include a centralprocessing unit 11, a main storage device 12, an input/output interfacedevice 13, an input device 14, an auxiliary storage device 15, and anoutput device 16. These devices are interconnected via a data bus and/ora control bus.

The central processing unit 11, which is referred to as a “CPU”, canperform operations on instructions and data stored in the main storagedevice 12, and store the results of the operations in the main storagedevice 12. Furthermore, the central processing unit 11 can control theinput device 14, the auxiliary storage device 15, the output device 16,and the like via the input/output interface device 13. The terminaldevice 10 can include one or more such central processing units 11.

The main storage device 12, which is referred to as a “memory”, canstore instructions and data received from the input device 14, theauxiliary storage device 15, and a communication line 2 (server device20 or the like) via the input/output interface device 13, as well ascalculation results of the central processing unit 11. The main storagedevice 12 can include computer-readable media such as volatile memory(e.g., registers, cache, random access memory (RAM)), non-volatilememory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), EEPROM, flash memory) and storage(e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), magnetic tape,optical media), without being limited thereto. As should be readilyunderstood, the term computer-readable storage media includes the mediafor data storage such as memory and storage, and not transmission mediasuch as modulated data signals or transitory signals.

The auxiliary storage device 15 is a storage device having a capacitylarger than that of the main storage device 12. It is possible to storeinstructions and data (computer programs) constituting theabove-described specific applications (video distribution application,video viewing application, and the like), web browser applications, andthe like. By being controlled by the central processing unit 11, theauxiliary storage device 15 can transmit these instructions and data(computer program) to the main storage device 12 via the input/outputinterface device 13. The auxiliary storage device 15 can include amagnetic disk device and/or an optical disk device, without beinglimited thereto.

The input device 14 is a device that fetches data from the outside, andcan include a touch screen, a button, a keyboard, a mouse, and/or asensor, without being limited thereto. The sensor can include a sensorincluding one or more cameras or the like and/or one or more microphonesor the like, without being limited thereto, as described below.

The output device 16 can include a display device, a touch screen,and/or a printer device, without being limited thereto.

With such hardware configuration, the central processing unit 11 cansequentially loads, into the main storage device 12, an instruction anddata (computer program) constituting a specific application stored inthe auxiliary storage device 15, and calculate the loaded instructionand data. Thus, the central processing unit 11 can control the outputdevice 16 via the input/output interface device 13 or transmit/receivevarious data to/from another device (e.g., server device 20, otherterminal device 10, studio unit 30, and/or like) via the input/outputinterface device 13 and a communication network 2.

Thus, by executing the installed specific application, the terminaldevice 10 can execute at least one operation of the following operationsexemplified below, for example (including various operations describedin detail later).

-   -   Operation used for distributing the first video and/or the        second video    -   Operation used for receiving the token data and/or the comment        data transmitted from another terminal device 10 to the own        terminal device 10    -   Operation used for receiving the first video and/or the second        video distributed by another terminal device 10    -   Operation used for transmitting token data and/or comment data        to another terminal device 10

The terminal device 10 can include one or more microprocessors and/orgraphics processing units (GPU) in place of the central processing unit11 or together with the central processing unit 11.

2-2. Hardware Configuration of Server Device 20

An example of the hardware configuration of each server device 20 willbe described with reference to FIG. 2 similarly. The hardwareconfiguration of each server device 20 (each of distribution serverdevice 200 a, DB server device 200 b, game API server device 200 c, andweb server device 20B) can be, for example, one identical to thehardware configuration of each terminal device 10 described above.

Therefore, reference numerals for the components of each server device20 are shown in parentheses in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, each server device 20 can mainly include a centralprocessing unit 21, a main storage device 22, an input/output interfacedevice 23, an input device 24, an auxiliary storage device 25, and anoutput device 26. These devices are interconnected via a data bus and/ora control bus.

The central processing unit 21, the main storage device 22, theinput/output interface device 23, the input device 24, the auxiliarystorage device 25, and the output device 26 may be substantiallyidentical to the central processing unit 11, the main storage device 12,the input/output interface device 13, the input device 14, the auxiliarystorage device 15, and the output device 16, respectively, included ineach terminal device 10 described above.

With such hardware configuration, the central processing unit 21 cansequentially loads, into the main storage device 22, an instruction anddata (computer program) constituting a specific application stored inthe auxiliary storage device 25, and calculate the loaded instructionand data. Thus, the central processing unit 21 can control the outputdevice 26 via the input/output interface device 23 or transmit/receivevarious data to/from another device (e.g., other terminal device 10,studio unit 30, and/or like) via the input/output interface device 23and the communication network 2.

Thus, the server device 20 can execute at least one operation of thefollowing operations exemplified below, for example (including variousoperations described in detail later).

-   -   Operation used for distributing, to the terminal device 10 of        each viewer, the first video and/or the second video transmitted        by the terminal device 10 of each distributor    -   Operation used for transmitting, to the terminal device 10 of        the distributor, token data and/or comment data transmitted by        the terminal device 10 of each viewer to the terminal device 10        of a certain distributor

The server device 20 can include one or more microprocessors and/orgraphics processing units (GPU) in place of the central processing unit21 or together with the central processing unit 21.

2-3. Hardware Configuration of Studio Unit 30

As described above, the studio unit 30 can perform the same function asthat of the terminal device 10 and/or the server device 20. Therefore,the studio unit 30 can have a similar hardware configuration to that ofthe above-described terminal device 10 or the server device 20.

3. Functions of Each Device

Next, an example of the function of each of the terminal device 10, theserver device 20, and the studio unit 30 will be described.

3-1. Functions of Terminal Device 10

An example of the function of the terminal device 10 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a block diagram schematicallyshowing an example of a function of the terminal device 10 shown in FIG.17.

As shown in FIG. 18, the terminal device 10 can mainly include a firstvideo generation unit 100Y, a communication unit 110Y, a determinationunit 120Y, an object data processing unit 130, a second video generationunit 140Y, a display unit 150Y, a storage unit 160Y, a user interfaceunit 170Y, and a token/comment processing unit 180Y.

(1) First Video Generation Unit 100Y

The first video generation unit 100Y can generate the first video (thirdvideo) including an animation of an avatar of a distributor on the basisof motion data regarding the motion of the distributor. In order torealize this, the first video generation unit 100Y can include anacquisition unit 102Y and a processing unit 104Y, for example.

The acquisition unit 102Y can include one or more first sensors 102 athat acquire data regarding the body of the distributor, and one or moresecond sensors 102 b that acquire voice data regarding an utteranceand/or singing emitted by the distributor.

In a preferred embodiment, the first sensor 102 a can include an RGBcamera that captures visible light and a near infrared camera thatcaptures near infrared rays. As such a camera, it is possible to use acamera included in a True Depth camera of iPhone X (registeredtrademark), for example. The second sensor 102 b can include amicrophone to record voice. First, as for the first sensor 102 a, theacquisition unit 102Y captures the body of the distributor by using thefirst sensor 102 a placed close to the body of the distributor. Thus,the acquisition unit 102Y can generate data (e.g., MPEG file) in whichan image acquired by the RGB camera is recorded over a unit time inassociation with a time code (code indicating the time acquired). Theacquisition unit 102Y can generate data (e.g., TSV file) in which anumerical value (e.g., numerical value of floating point number)indicating a predetermined number (e.g., 51) of depths acquired by thenear-infrared camera is recorded over a unit time in association withthe time code. The TSV file is a file in a format where a plurality ofdata are recorded with data separated by tabs.

As for the near-infrared camera, specifically, a dot projector radiates,to the body of the performer, an infrared laser that forms a dotpattern, and the near-infrared camera captures the infrared dotsprojected and reflected on the body of the performer and generates animage of the infrared dots thus captured. The acquisition unit 102Y cancompare an image of the dot pattern emitted by the dot projectorregistered in advance with an image captured by the near infraredcamera. Thus, the acquisition unit 102Y can calculate the depth(distance between each point or each feature point and the near-infraredcamera) of each point (each feature point) by using the positionaldeviation at each point (each feature point) (e.g., each of 51 pointsand feature points) in the both images. The acquisition unit 102Y cangenerate data in which a numerical value indicating the thus calculateddepth is recorded over a unit time in association with the time code asdescribed above. The camera (s) that the first sensor 102 a has isindicated with the reference sign 102 c.

Next, as for the second sensor 102 b, the acquisition unit 102Y acquiresvoice related to an utterance and/or singing emitted by the distributorusing the second sensor 102 b placed close to the body of thedistributor. The second sensor 102 b can include at least one microphone102 d. Thus, the acquisition unit 102Y can generate data (e.g., MPEGfile) recorded over a unit time in association with a time code. In anembodiment, the acquisition unit 102Y can acquire data regarding thebody of the distributor using the first sensor 102 a, and at the sametime, acquire voice data regarding an utterance and/or singing emittedby the distributor using the second sensor 102 b. In this case, theacquisition unit 102Y can generate data (e.g., MPEG file) in which animage acquired by the RGB camera and voice data related to speech and/orvocal given by the distributor using the second sensor 102 b arerecorded over a unit time in association with an identical time code.

The acquisition unit 102Y can output, to the processing unit 104Y, thedata (MPEG file, TSV file, or the like) related to the body of thedistributor thus generated, as motion data, and/or the voice data (MPEGfile or the like) related to the utterance and/or singing emitted by thedistributor.

For example, the motion data can be acquired using a motion capturesystem. As will be readily understood to one of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of the present disclosure, examples of suitablemotion capture systems that can be used with disclosed apparatus andmethods include optical motion capture systems, including such systemsusing passive markers, active markers, or markerless systems andnon-optical systems, including inertial and magnetic systems. Motiondata can be capture with an image capture devices (such as a CCD(charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxidesemiconductor) image sensor) coupled to a computer that transforms themotion data into video or other image data.

The case where the first sensor 102 a includes an RGB camera and aninfrared camera has been described here. However, the first sensor 102 acan include, for example, any of the following (A) to (C).

-   -   (A) A camera that detects infrared rays emitted by an infrared        laser and reflected on the face of the performer    -   (B) A plurality of RGB cameras that capture visible light    -   (C) A single camera that captures visible light

In the case of (A) above, the acquisition unit 102Y can calculate thedepth for each feature point in the body of the distributor by the samemethod as that described above. In the case of (B) above, theacquisition unit 102Y can calculate the depth of each feature point ofthe body of the distributor using a plurality of images captured by aplurality of RGB cameras. In the case of (C) above, the acquisition unit102Y can calculate, by using deep learning or the like, the depth ofeach feature point in the body of the distributor from an image capturedby a single camera. In the case of (C) above, the acquisition unit 102Ycan calculate the depth of each feature point of the body of theperformer by analysis processing (image processing and the like) for theimage captured by the single camera.

The processing unit 104Y can generate a video including an animation ofa virtual character (avatar of the distributor) on the basis of the dataregarding the body of the distributor from the acquisition unit 102Y. Asfor the video itself of the virtual character, the processing unit 104Ycan generate the video of the virtual character by causing a renderingunit not illustrated to execute rendering using various data (e.g.,geometry data, bone data, texture data, shader data, blend shape data,and so on) stored in a character data storage unit not illustrated.

By using various known techniques, the processing unit 104Y can generatea video (e.g., a video in which the facial expression of the avatarchanges in synchronization with the movement of the mouth and both eyesof the performer, e.g., a video in which the facial expression of theavatar changes in response to lip-sync and gaze tracking with respect tothe face of the performer) in which the facial expression of the avataror the like is changed by using the data (data regarding the depth ofeach feature point in the body of the performer) related to the body ofthe distributor from the acquisition unit 102Y.

Any other known technique can be used for generating the first videoincluding an animation of the avatar of the distributor on the basis ofthe motion data regarding the motion of the distributor. Such well-knowntechnology includes a technique referred to as “blend shapes” describedin a website specified by the following URL.

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/arkit/arfaceanchor/2928251-blendshapes

When using this technique, the processing unit 104Y can adjust eachparameter of one or more feature points corresponding to the motion ofthe distributor among a plurality of feature points of the upper body(face or the like) of the distributor. This allows the processing unit104Y to generate a video of a virtual character that follows the actionof the distributor.

(2) Communication Unit 110Y

The communication unit 110Y can communicate various data used fordistribution and/or viewing of a video between the distribution serversystem 20A and the web server device 20B. For example, when the terminaldevice 10 operates as the terminal device 10 of a certain distributor(e.g., distributor A), the communication unit 110Y can access the webserver device 20B and receive a web page (HTML document) or the likecontaining a game program used for executing a game or the like. Whenthe terminal device 10 operates as the terminal device of thedistributor A, the communication unit 110Y can receive object data fromthe distribution server system 20A. Here, when a certain viewer (e.g.,the viewer B) views the second video distributed by the distributor A,the object data can include data regarding a game object (acquired gameobject) usable in a specific game given to the distributor A and/or theviewer B. Specifically, for example, the object data can include thefollowing data.

-   -   Data identifying the game object (acquired game object)    -   Data identifying the user (distributor A and/or viewer B) to        whom the acquired game object has been given    -   Data identifying the specific game for which the acquired game        object is usable

Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal deviceof the distributor A, the communication unit 110Y can transmit the firstvideo and/or the second video to the distribution server system 20A, andcan receive, from the distribution server system 20A, the token dataand/or the comment data transmitted to this distributor A.

Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal deviceof the viewer B, the communication unit 110Y can receive, from thedistribution server system 20A, the first video and/or the second videotransmitted by the terminal device 10 of the distributor A, and transmittoken data and/or comment data for the distributor A to the distributionserver system 20A.

When the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal device of theviewer B, the communication unit 110Y can receive object data from thedistribution server system 20A. Here, when the viewer B views the secondvideo distributed by the distributor A, the object data can include dataregarding a game object (acquired game object) usable in a specific gamegiven to the viewer B. Specifically, for example, the object data caninclude the following data.

-   -   Data identifying the game object (acquired game object)    -   Data identifying the specific game for which the acquired game        object is usable

The communication unit 110Y may be adapted to communicate using anysuitable technology, including a mobile telephone network, a wirelessnetwork (e.g., RF connections via Bluetooth, WiFi (such as IEEE802.11a/b/n), WiMax, cellular, satellite, laser, infrared), a fixedtelephone network, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network(LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), and/or an Ethernet network, withoutbeing limited thereto.

(3) Determination Unit 120Y

When the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal device of theviewer B, the determination unit 120Y can determine whether or not theobject data has been received. Here, the object data is data regarding agame object (acquired game object) that has been given to the viewer Bby receiving the second video distributed by the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor A and can be used as a subsequent distributor by theviewer B in a specific game.

If the determination unit 120Y determines that the object data has beenreceived, it is possible to cause the display unit 150Y to display thatthe acquired game object is usable in a specific game. The determinationunit 120Y can be implemented with a processor coupled to a memorystoring computer-readable instructions executed by the processor.

(4) Object Data Processing Unit 130Y

When the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal device of thedistributor A, the object data processing unit 130Y, when receivingobject data from the distribution server system 20A, can identify, forexample, the following data using the received object data.

-   -   Game object (acquired game object)    -   User (distributor A and/or viewer B) to whom the acquired game        object is given    -   Specific game for which the acquired game object is usable    -   Parameters set for acquired game object (e.g., if the acquired        game object is a point, reward, and the like, their values. If        the acquired game object is an item, equipment, a character, and        the like, their values, attack power, defense power, mobility,        and the like)

When the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal device of theviewer B, the object data processing unit 130Y, when receiving objectdata from the distribution server system 20A, can identify, for example,the following data using the received object data.

-   -   Game object (acquired game object)    -   Specific game for which the acquired game object is usable    -   Parameters set for acquired game object (e.g., if the acquired        game object is a point, reward, and the like, their values. If        the acquired game object is an item, equipment, a character, and        the like, their values, attack power, defense power, mobility,        and the like)

Thus, the object data processing unit 130Y can display, on the displayunit 150Y, which game object is available in which game so as to presentit to the viewer. An example of it is shown in FIG. 26. As illustratedin FIG. 26, an outline of the first video and/or the second video (thatmay be a video to be distributed) distributed by a plurality ofdistributors can be displayed in a thumbnail display format on thedisplay unit 150Y of the terminal device 10 of a user Z, who is aviewer. For the distributor A, an avatar 800Y of the distributor A,information 802Y (distributor A) specifying the handle of thedistributor A, information 804Y (plant growing game II) specifying thegame being distributed by the distributor A, information 806Y (magicseed) specifying the game object to be distributed (given) by viewingthis video, and the like can be displayed. Furthermore, information 808Y(plant growing game II) specifying the game in which the game objectdistributed by viewing this video can be used may be displayed.

If the user Z selects an object or the like corresponding to thedistributor A, the display unit 130Y of the terminal device 10 of theuser Z may display a screen showing details (e.g., comment of thedistributor A, data regarding the distributor A, data regarding the gamebeing distributed, and the like) of the second video being distributedby the distributor A. Also this screen can display the information 806Y(magic seed) specifying the game object to be distributed (given) byviewing this video illustrated in FIG. 26. In addition to this, theinformation 808Y (plant growing game II) specifying the game for whichthe game object distributed by viewing this video can be used may bedisplayed.

This allows each viewer to efficiently discover and collect game objects(items and the like) the viewer wants.

When the terminal device 10 executes a game in order to distribute thesecond video (fourth video), the object data processing unit 130Y canrecognize whether the acquired game object can be used in the game (inthat case, the terminal device 10 can use the acquired game objectidentified in accordance with the object data in the game, in accordancewith the parameter set for the acquired game object). The object dataprocessing unit 130Y can be implemented with a processor coupled to amemory storing computer-readable instructions executed by the processor.

(5) Second Video Generation Unit 140Y

The second video generation unit 140Y can generate the second video (orfourth video) regarding the game on the basis of the operation dataregarding the operation of the distributor by using the web pagereceived from the web server device 20B.

Specifically, the second video generation unit 140Y executes a gameprogram incorporated in the web page received from the web server device20B. Thus, the second video generation unit 140Y can render the secondvideo (game video) related to the game on the basis of the operationdata indicating the operation of the distributor input by the userinterface unit 180Y and at least one game object in which the relatedcontrol parameter has been calculated by the control parametercalculation unit 130Y. For example, the operation data can include oneor more of the following: data indicative of how the distributor hasswiped a touch pad display, data indicative of which object thedistributer has tapped or clicked, or data indicative of how thedistributor has dragged a touch pad display, or other such operationdata.

(6) Display Unit 150Y

The display unit 150Y can display various data used for distributionand/or viewing of a video. For example, the display unit 150Y candisplay the first video (third video) to be distributed and/or thesecond video (fourth video) to be distributed, the first video (thirdvideo) having been received and/or the second video (fourth video)having been received, and/or the like.

(7) Storage Unit 160Y

The storage unit 160Y can store various data used for distributionand/or viewing of a video using computer-readable memory or storagedevices.

(8) User Interface Unit 170Y

The user interface unit 170Y can input various data used fordistribution and/or viewing of the video through a user operation. Forexample, the user interface unit 170Y can input, from the distributor,operation data indicating the contents of the operation by thedistributor when executing the game, and output the data to the secondvideo generation unit 140Y. The user interface unit 170Y may include atouch input device, such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screendisplay, pen, or trackball, a voice input device, a camera, an imagesensor, a scanning device, or another device, that provides user input.

(9) Token/Comment Processing Unit 180Y

The token/comment processing unit 180Y can process token data and/orcomment data transmitted/received regarding distribution and/or viewingof a video. For example, when the terminal device 10 operates as theterminal device 10 of the distributor A (or subsequent distributor B),the token/comment processing unit 180Y can process the token data and/orthe comment data transmitted to this distributor A (or subsequentdistributor B).

When the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal device 10 of theviewer B, the token/comment processing unit 180Y can process the tokendata and/or comment data to be transmitted by this viewer. Thetoken/comment processing unit 180Y can be implemented with a processorcoupled to a memory storing computer-readable instructions executed bythe processor.

3-2. Functions of Server Device 20

An example of the function of the server device 20 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a block diagram schematicallyshowing an example of a function of the server device 20 shown in FIG.17. As shown in FIG. 19, the server device 20 can mainly include acommunication unit 200Y, a storage unit 210Y, a token/comment processingunit 220Y, and an object data management unit 230Y. These may beincluded in any one of the distribution server device 2000 a, the DBserver device 2000 b, and the game API server device 2000 c constitutingthe distribution server system 20A, or may be included redundantly ordispersedly in at least one server device of the distribution serverdevice 2000 a, the DB server device 2000 b, and the game API serverdevice 2000 c.

The communication unit 200Y can communicate various data used fordistribution and/or viewing of a video between the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor and/or the terminal device 10 of the viewer. Forexample, when operating as the distribution server system 20A, theserver device 20 can receive the first video (third video) and/or thesecond video (fourth video) from the terminal device 10 of eachdistributor (each subsequent distributor) and can distribute thereceived video to the terminal device 10 of each viewer. When operatingas the web server device 20B, the server device 20 can transmit, to theterminal device 10 of each distributor (each subsequent distributor)having accessed, a web page in which a game program is incorporated.

The storage unit 210Y can store various data used for distributionand/or viewing of a video, the various data received from thecommunication unit 200Y, the token/comment processing unit 220Y, and/orthe viewing management unit 230Y.

The token/comment processing unit 220Y can process the token data and/orthe comment data transmitted from each viewer to each distributor (eachsubsequent distributor).

The object data management unit 230Y can manage (generate, set, and thelike), for example, at least one piece of data of the following data foreach distributor and each viewer, without being limited thereto.

-   -   (a1) Viewer who has started viewing (receiving) the second video        distributed by each distributor    -   (a2) Game object given to the distributor due to the event of        (a1) above, and a specific game for which this game object can        be used    -   (a3) Game object given to the viewer due to the event of (a1)        above, and a specific game for which this game object can be        used    -   (b1) Viewer who has completed viewing (receiving) the second        video distributed by each distributor    -   (b2) Game object given to the distributor due to the event of        (b1) above, and a specific game for which this game object can        be used    -   (b3) Game object given to the viewer due to the event of (b1)        above, and a specific game for which this game object can be        used    -   (c1) At least one parameter regarding the viewing by the viewer        who viewed the second video distributed by each distributor    -   (c2) Game object given to the distributor, determined in        accordance with the at least one parameter, due to the event of        (c1) above, and a specific game for which this game object can        be used    -   (c3) Game object given to the viewer, determined in accordance        with the at least one parameter, due to the event of (c1) above,        and a specific game for which this game object can be used

In relation to (c1) above, the at least one parameter can include, forexample, the following parameters.

-   -   Timing (date, time, and the like) at which the viewer viewed the        second video    -   Total length of time in which the viewer viewed a second video    -   Giving data indicating that the viewer has given a token,        comment, and/or an evaluation to the distributor

The game object (acquired game object) given to the viewer can include,for example, items, equipment, points, rewards, coins, cards, and/orcharacters.

By using the thus managed data, the object data management unit 230Y cantransmit object data to the distributor and/or the viewer to whom a gameobject (acquired game object) that can be used in a specific game isgiven.

The distribution server system 20A (in particular, distribution serverdevice 2000 a) is provided for the purpose of performing a function ofdistributing, to each terminal device 10 of the plurality of viewers,the second video (fourth video) transmitted by the terminal device 10 ofeach distributor.

Therefore, the distribution server system 20A (in particular,distribution server device 2000 a) can recognize which viewer's terminaldevice 10 to transmit the second video (fourth video) from, and whichviewer's terminal device 10 and when to have been distributed to. Thedistribution server system 20A (in particular, distribution serverdevice 2000 a) can also recognize as to when the token data, commentdata, evaluation data, and/or the like were transmitted from theterminal device 10 of which viewer to the terminal device 10 of whichdistributor.

Therefore, by managing the history (log) of such distribution, thedistribution server system 20A (in particular, distribution serverdevice 2000 a) can manage various data listed as described above.

When the server device 20 operates as the web server device 20B, thetoken/comment processing unit 220Y and the object data management unit230Y may be omitted.

3-3. Function of Studio Unit 30

As described above, the studio unit 30 can perform the same function asthat of the terminal device 10 and/or the server device 20. Therefore,the studio unit 30 can have the function of the terminal device 10described with reference to FIG. 18 and/or the function of the serverdevice 20 described with reference to FIG. 19.

4. Overall Operation of Video Distribution System 1

Next, the overall operation performed in the video distribution system 1having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.20A and 20B. FIGS. 20A and 20B are flow diagrams showing an example ofthe operation performed in the video distribution system 1 shown in FIG.17.

First, referring to FIG. 20A, in ST302Y, in response to the operation ofthe distributor (here, distributor A), the terminal device 10 (here,terminal device 10A) starts and executes the video distributionapplication.

Next, in ST304Y, the terminal device 10A generates the first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of the distributor A on the basis ofthe motion data regarding the motion of the distributor A. Thus, asillustrated in FIG. 21, a first video 404Y including an animation of anavatar 402Y of the distributor A is displayed on the display unit 150Yof the terminal device 10 A.

Returning to FIG. 20A, the terminal device 10A transmits the generatedfirst video 404Y to the distribution server device 2000 a of thedistribution server system 20A. From the terminal device 10 of eachviewer having accessed the distribution server device 2000 a byexecuting the video viewing application, the distribution server device2000 a can receive a request signal for requesting the first video 404Ydistributed by the terminal device 10A of the distributor A (theterminal device 10 of each viewer can also transmit the request signalby selecting the distribution of the distributor A via the screenillustrated in FIG. 26 as an example). In response to this requestsignal, the distribution server device 40 a can distribute, to theterminal device 10 of each viewer executing the video viewingapplication, the first video 404Y received from the terminal device 10A.Thus, the (object data management unit 230Y of the) distribution serverdevice 2000 a can manage the date, time, and the like of the first video404Y being distributed (and/or previously distributed) by thedistributor A was viewed by each viewer. In this manner, the first video404Y as illustrated in FIG. 21 is displayed also on the display unit150Y of the terminal device 10 of each viewer.

Next, in ST306Y, the distributor A taps or the like an icon 406Y of“Game” (see FIG. 21) displayed on the display unit 150Y of the terminaldevice 10A. In response to this, the terminal device 10A executes thebrowser function equipped on the video distribution application. Thus,in ST308Y, the terminal device 10A can access the web server device 20Bin a state of having executed the video distribution application (e.g.,having distributed the first video 404Y to the terminal device 10 ofeach viewer). Therefore, the terminal device 10A can receive, from theweb server device 20B, the HTML5 document in which the game program isincorporated.

Next, in ST310Y, the terminal device 10A can generate a video (secondvideo) regarding the game by executing the game program incorporated inthe received HTML5 document. FIG. 22 shows an example of a second video500Y thus generated by the terminal device 10A.

FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of the second video displayed onthe terminal device 10 used in the video distribution system 1 shown inFIG. 17. FIG. 22 shows, as an example, the second video 500Y regarding aplant growing game for growing plants in a garden that is played by thedistributor A.

In this game, the distributor A can grow and harvest a plant (e.g.,plant 506Y) by seeding in a plurality of places 504Y (as an example, 16places in FIG. 22) provided in his garden 502Y.

As growing a plurality of plants, an animal (e.g., animal 508Y) appearsand lives in the garden 502Y of the distributor A. The game objectcorresponding to the thus living animal can be stored (registered) inassociation with the distributor A in the storage unit 160Y (and/orstorage unit 210Y) as a game object owned by the distributor A.

Next, returning to FIG. 20A, in ST312Y, the terminal device 10Atransmits the second video (game screen) 500Y generated in ST310Y to thedistribution server device 2000 a of the distribution server system 20A(Additionally, during transmitting the second video 500Y to thedistribution server device 2000 a of the distribution server system 20A,the terminal device 10A may stop transmitting the first video 404Y ormay transmit the first video 404Y). The distribution server device 2000a distributes the second video received from the terminal device 10A tothe terminal device 10 of each viewer executing the video viewingapplication and receiving the first video 404Y (in a case of receivingnot only the second video 500Y but also the first video 404Y from theterminal device 10A, the distribution server device 2000 a may transmitonly the second video 500Y or both the second video 500Y and the firstvideo 404Y to the terminal device 10 of each viewer). Thus, the (objectdata management unit 230Y of the) distribution server device 2000 a canmanage the date, total time, and the like of the second video beingdistributed (and/or previously distributed) by the distributor A wasviewed by each viewer. Thus, the second video 500Y can be displayed alsoon the display unit 150Y of the terminal device 10 of each viewer (forexample, in a state of being covered on the first video 404Y asillustrated in FIG. 21 and hiding the first video 404Y).

Next, in ST314Y, a case is assumed in which the viewer (here, the userB) viewing the second video 500Y transmitted by the terminal device 10Agives a token (token G1 as an example here) to the distributor A. Byoperating the terminal device 10B, the viewer B can select the token G1from a plurality of prepared tokens and can select a command for givingthe token G1 to the distributor A. The selection of such a command canbe executed via a user interface (not illustrated) displayed on theterminal device 10B. Thus, the terminal device 10B can transmit, to thedistribution server device 2000 a of the distribution server system 20A,token data indicative of giving the token G1 to the distributor A. Thistoken data can include, for example, recipient identification data foridentifying the recipient (distributor A) of the token, tokenidentification data for identifying the token (token G1), and senderidentification data for identifying the sender (viewer B) of the token.

By operating the terminal device 10B, the viewer B can also transmit acomment to the distributor A. In this case, the terminal device 10B cantransmit the comment data to the distribution server device 2000 a. Thecomment data can include recipient identification data for identifyingthe recipient (distributor A) of the comment, comment content datastoring the content of the comment, and sender identification data foridentifying the sender (viewer B) of the comment.

ST316Y to ST324Y explained below are related to the procedure in whichthe token data transmitted by the terminal device 10 of each viewer isreceived by the terminal device 10 of the distributor A. However, byapplying the same procedure to comment data, the comment datatransmitted by the terminal device 10 of each viewer can be received bythe terminal device 10 of the distributor A. In this case, in ST316Y toST324Y explained below, “token identification data” and “token data” canbe read and understood as “comment content data” and “comment data”,respectively.

In ST316Y, the distribution server device 2000 a can store the tokendata received from the terminal device 10B in the DB server device 2000b. For example, the DB server device 2000 b can store, as token data,number identification data for identifying what number a token wasgiven, the token identification data, and the sender identification datain association with the recipient identification data.

In ST318Y, the terminal device 10A of the distributor A can make aninquiry with the game API server device 2000 c whether or not new tokendata has come to the distributor A at each predetermined cycle duringexecution of the game. For example, if having received one piece oftoken data from the game API server device 2000 c so far since startingthe game, the terminal device 10A can make an inquiry with the game APIserver device 2000 c for the presence/absence of the second andsubsequent pieces of token data.

In ST320Y, in response to an inquiry from the terminal device 10A, thegame API server device 2000 c can request the DB server device 2000 bfor the second and subsequent pieces of token data regarding thedistributor A. In a case of having successfully searched the second andsubsequent pieces of number identification data as the numberidentification data stored in association with the distributor A(recipient identification data), the DB server device 2000 b cantransmit, to the game API server device 2000 c as the second piece oftoken data, the token identification data and the sender identificationdata corresponding to each of the second and subsequent pieces of numberidentification data. Here, a case is assumed in which the DB serverdevice 2000 b has successfully searched only the second piece of numberidentification data. In this case, the DB server device 2000 b cantransmit, to the game API server device 2000 c as the second piece oftoken data, the token identification data and the sender identificationdata corresponding to the second piece of number identification data. Inresponse to this, the game API server device 2000 c can transmit thesecond piece of token data to the terminal device 10A of the distributorA.

Next, referring to FIG. 20B, in ST322Y, the terminal device 10A havingreceived the second piece of token data can execute the game on thebasis of the second piece of token data. The terminal device 10A canexecute the game on the basis of at least one piece of the followingdata, for example.

-   -   Token uniquely identified by the token identification data        included in the token data (token G1, here)    -   Sender identified by the sender identification data included in        the token data (viewer B, here)    -   Comment content data included in the comment data    -   Sender identified by the sender identification data included in        the comment data (viewer B, here)

Thus, the terminal device 10A generates the second video 500Y includingat least one game object generated on the basis of the token data and/orthe comment data. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, on the basis of thetoken data received from the terminal device 10 of the viewer D,information 510Y indicating that a token of “10 points” has been givento the distributor A can be displayed in the second video 500Y.Information (comment data) indicating that a token corresponding to this“10 points” has been given from the viewer D to the distributor A can betransmitted from the distribution server system 20A to the terminaldevice 10 of the distributor A. This information (comment data) may bedisplayed in a region (window or the like) visible only to thedistributor A by the terminal device 10A, or may be displayed in aregion visible to both the distributor A and each viewer. On the basisof the comment data received from the terminal device 10B of the viewerB, a comment content 512Y of “the animal is cute” can be displayedtogether with information 514Y for identifying the viewer B in thesecond video 500Y.

Additionally, the terminal device 10A has received so far two pieces oftoken data from the game API server device 2000 c (the terminal device10A identifies how many pieces of token data have been received so farduring the execution of the game). Thus, in the next cycle, the terminaldevice 10A can make an inquiry with the game API server device 2000 cfor the presence/absence of the third and subsequent pieces of tokendata.

Next, returning to FIG. 20B, in ST324Y, the terminal device 10A candistribute the thus generated second video 500Y the terminal device 10of each viewer via the distribution server system 20A in the same manneras in ST312Y.

Next, in ST326Y, the (object data management unit 230Y and thecommunication unit 200Y of the) distribution server device 2000 a of thedistribution server system 20A can generate object data and can transmitit to the terminal device 10A of the distributor A and/or the terminaldevice 10 of each viewer. As explained in “3-1. (2)” above, when eachviewer views the second video distributed by the distributor A, theobject data can include data regarding a game object (acquired gameobject) usable in a specific game given to the distributor A and/or theviewer of the distributor A.

The (object data management unit 230Y of the) distribution server device2000 a can select an acquired game object to be given to each viewerfrom among a plurality of game objects. As an example, the (object datamanagement unit 230Y of the) distribution server device 2000 a can alsoselect a predetermined game object from among a plurality of gameobjects, or can also select an acquired game object in accordance withvarious elements. For example, the (object data management unit 230Y ofthe) distribution server device 2000 a can select an acquired gameobject having a high value proportional to the ranking of thedistributor, the total distribution time of the distributor, the totalnumber of viewers, the total viewing time of the viewers, and/or thelike from among a plurality of game objects. Alternatively, the (objectdata management unit 230Y of the) distribution server device 2000 a canselect a game object designated by the distributor A from among aplurality of game objects (this aspect is described in “5.” below).

The plurality of game objects can include items, equipment, points,rewards, coins, cards, and/or characters without being limited to them.

The terminal device 10A of the distributor A having received the objectdata can recognize that the game object usable in a specific game hasbeen given to the distributor A and each viewer. Thus, for example, asillustrated in FIG. 23, the terminal device 10A of the distributor A candisplay, on the second video 500Y, information 600Y indicating that aseed that is one of the game objects usable in a specific game (e.g.,“plant growing game II”) has been given to the viewer B and the viewer D(and the distributor A) having viewed the second video. This secondvideo 500Y can be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device10 of the distributor A and each viewer (e.g., viewer B and viewer D,here). Therefore, the distributor A and each viewer can recognize thatthe presented seed can be used in a specific game (here, “plant growinggame II”) to be executed later.

In ST328Y, the terminal device 10 of each viewer having received theobject data also can recognize that the game object usable in a specificgame has been given to each viewer. Specifically, with the terminaldevice 10B of the viewer B as an example, the terminal device 10B canfirst determine whether or not the object data has been received. If theterminal device 10B determines that the object data has been received(since the terminal device 10B has actually received the object data inST326Y, it can determine that the object data has been received), theterminal device 10B can display, on the display unit 150Y, that thegiven game object (acquired game object) can be used in a specific game,by using this object data.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the terminal device 10B of theviewer B can display, on the display unit 150Y, information 602Y that aseed that is one of the game objects useable in a specific game (here,“plant growing game II”) has been given to the viewer B having viewedthe second video, as information unique to the viewer (here, viewer B).The processing described in relation to ST328Y can be similarly executednot only in the terminal device 10B of the viewer B but also in theterminal device 10 of each viewer having received the object data.

Next, returning to FIG. 20B, in ST330Y, if continuing the game, theterminal device 10A can repeat the processes in and after ST308Y. On theother hand, if the terminal device 10A does not continue the game, theprocessing ends.

Thereafter, the user who has been the viewer of the second video 500Ycan become the distributor (subsequent distributor) to play a specificgame identified by the object data, and can use the acquired object inthis specific game. Hereinafter, a case where the viewer B of theviewers of the second video 500Y becomes the subsequent distributor willbe described.

In ST332Y, in response to the operation of the subsequent distributor B,the terminal device 10B starts and executes the video distributionapplication.

Next, in ST334Y, the terminal device 10B of the viewer B can firstdetermine whether or not the object data has been received. If theterminal device 10B determines that the object data has been received(since the terminal device 10B has actually received the object data inST326Y, it can determine that the object data has been received), theterminal device 10B can display, on the display unit 150Y, that thegiven game object (acquired game object) can be used in a specific game,by using this object data. The aspect of the display is discretionaryand can be the aspect described with reference to FIG. 24, for example.Thus, by viewing the information displayed on the display unit 150Y onthe basis of the object data, the subsequent distributor B can recognizefor the first time or again that the acquired object can be used in thisgame in a case where the specific game (e.g., “plant growing game II”)is executed.

Hereinafter, since the operation performed in the video distributionsystem 1 in ST336Y can be basically the same as those in ST304Y toST330Y described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.The difference is that not the distributor A but the subsequentdistributor B distributes a new first video and a new second video toeach viewer. The new first video and the new second video distributed bythe subsequent distributor can be referred to as a third video and afourth video, respectively, in order to distinguish them from the firstvideo and the second video distributed by the distributor A.

FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of the fourth video displayed onthe terminal device 10 of each viewer used in the video distributionsystem 1 shown in FIG. 17. Here, a case in which the game executed bythe distributor A and distributed as the second video and the gameexecuted by the subsequent distributor B and distributed as the fourthvideo are identical (“plant growing game II”) will be described.However, they may be identical or not. In particular, if the both aredifferent games from each other, they may be games belonging todifferent genres.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, in the plant growing game II, the subsequentdistributor B can sow and grow a seed 704Y, which is an acquired object,in his own garden 702Y.

The scene is distributed by the terminal device 10B to the terminaldevice 10 of each viewer as a fourth video 700Y. The terminal device 10Bcan recognize, by the object data processing unit 130Y of the terminaldevice 10B, that the seed 704Y can be used in the plant growing game II,or can recognized the same by receiving a notice to that effect from theobject data management unit 230Y of the distribution server device 2000a and/or the web server device 20 (sharing data managed by the objectdata management unit 230Y).

5. Variations

In the various embodiments described above, a case in which the acquiredgame object usable in a specific game when the second video 500Ydistributed by the distributor is viewed (received) by the viewer isgiven to “both” of the viewer and the distributor has been described.Thus, since the viewer can acquire a game object usable in the specificgame to be executed later by the viewer as a subsequent distributor, theviewer can be encouraged to actively view the second video 500Ydistributed by the distributor. On the other hand, since the distributorcan acquire a game object usable in the specific game to be executedlater by the distributor himself when the distributor's own second video500Y is viewed by any viewer, the distributor can be encouraged to givea notice about the distribution of the second video 500Y via SNS,website, mail, telephone, and/or the like prior to the distribution ofthe second video 500Y so that any viewer views the second video 500Y tobe distributed by the distributor.

However, in another embodiment, the acquired game object usable in aspecific game when the second video 500Y distributed by the distributoris viewed (received) by the viewer may be given to “only” the viewer.

In the various embodiments described above, a case in which theidentical game object is given to the distributor and each viewer whengame object is given to both the distributor and each viewer. However,the game object given to the distributor and the game object given toeach viewer may be identical or not.

The game object given to a viewer when the second video distributed by acertain distributor (e.g., first distributor) is viewed (received) bythe viewer may be identical to or different from the game object givento a viewer when the second video distributed by another distributor(e.g., second distributor) is viewed (received) by the viewer. If theboth game objects are different, each viewer is encouraged to view crossbetween the second videos distributed by a plurality of distributors inorder to acquire the game object desired or satisfied by the viewerhimself. This is expected to increase the total number of viewersviewing the second video and/or the total viewing time in the entirevideo distribution system 1.

Additionally, attention is paid to the case where the game object givento a viewer when the second video distributed by the first distributoris viewed (received) by the viewer is different from the game objectgiven to a viewer when the second video distributed by the seconddistributor is viewed (received) by the viewer. The game object to begiven to each viewer when the second video of the first distributor isviewed may be determined by the first distributor himself, or may bedetermined by the (object data management unit 230Y of the) serverdevice on the basis of data managed by the (object data management unit230Y of the) server device. The game object selected by the firstdistributor himself or the operator of the video distribution system 1from the game object group held by the first distributor may be given toeach viewer. Alternatively, the game object selected by the firstdistributor himself or the operator of the video distribution system 1from the game object group held by each viewer may be given to the firstdistributor. The above matters applicable to the first distributor aresimilarly applicable to the second distributor.

A method in which the first distributor himself (or the seconddistributor himself) selects a game object given to each viewer wheneach viewer views the second video of the first distributor (or thesecond distributor) will be described later.

When the (object data management unit 230Y of the) server device gives agame object (acquired game object) to a viewer viewing the second videodistributed by the distributor, at least one acquired game object can beselected (and/or set) from among a plurality of game objects on thebasis of the degree of involvement of the viewer in viewing the secondvideo. Specifically, at least one acquired game object can be selectedand/or set, for example, on the basis of any of the following.

-   -   (a) Timing (date, time, and the like) at which the viewer viewed        the second video    -   (b) Total length of time in which the viewer viewed the second        video    -   (c) Token data, comment data, and/or evaluation-related data (in        particular, the total number of these pieces of data and the        like) transmitted to the distributor while the viewer is viewing        the second video

Regarding (a) above, for example, if the viewer views the second videoduring a time slot when the total number of viewers of the second videois small in general (early in the morning, late at night, and the like),a better acquired game object (e.g., one that can plays the specificgame advantageously when used in the specific game) can be selected, andfurthermore, the parameters of the acquired game object can be setbetter (e.g., so as to be capable of playing the specific gameadvantageously when used in the specific game). Thus, the use of thevideo distribution service provided by the video distribution system 1is prevented from being concentrated in a specific time.

Alternatively, if the viewer views the second video during a promotionperiod, a better acquired game object can be selected, and theparameters of the acquired game object can be set better.

Regarding (b) above, if the viewer views the second video for a longerperiod of time, a better acquired game object can be selected, and theparameters of the acquired game object can be set better (e.g., so as tobe capable of playing the specific game advantageously when used in thespecific game).

Regarding (c) above, the larger the total number of pieces of tokendata, comment data, and/or evaluation-related data transmitted to thedistributor while the viewer is viewing the second video, the betteracquired game object can be selected, and furthermore, the better theparameters of the acquired game object can be set (e.g., so as to becapable of playing the specific game advantageously when used in thespecific game).

In any of the above (a) to (c), the selection of a better acquired gameobject means that the acquired game object (morepowerful/convenient/expensive item/equipment/point/character, and thelike) is selected so that the viewer can advantageously play theparticular game when using the acquired game object in the particulargame as a subsequent distributor. The better setting of the parametersof the acquired game object means that the parameters of the acquiredgame object are set (e.g., the value/price/attack power/defensepower/physical strength, and the like ofitems/equipment/points/characters and the like are set high) so as to becapable of advantageously playing the specific game when the viewer usesthe acquired game object in the specific game as a subsequentdistributor.

In the various embodiments described above, a case where thedistribution server device 2000 a transmits object data to the terminaldevice 10 of each viewer in ST326Y shown in FIG. 20B (e.g., case wherethe game object of each viewer is given) has been described. However,the distribution server device 2000 a can transmit the object dataseparately for each viewer at any of the timings presented below.

-   -   Timing when the distribution server device 2000 a “starts” the        distribution of the second video to the terminal device 10 of        the viewer    -   Timing when the distribution server device 2000 a “completes”        the distribution of the second video to the terminal device 10        of the viewer    -   Timing when the viewer “performs a predetermined motion” with        respect to viewing the second video while the distribution        server device 2000 a is distributing the second video to the        terminal device 10 of the viewer

Here, “performing a predetermined motion” can be regarded as performingat least one of the following motions.

-   -   (x) The viewer viewed the second video at a predetermined timing        (date, time, and the like)    -   (y) Total length of time in which the viewer viewed the second        video having exceeded the threshold    -   (z) The total number of pieces of token data, comment data,        and/or evaluation-related data transmitted to the distributor        while the viewer is viewing the second video has exceeded the        threshold

The transmission of object data to the viewer may be performed from the(distribution server device 2000 a of the) distribution server system 20to the terminal device 10 of the viewer via a function (chat function orthe like) that enables the communication of a message between the(distribution server device 2000 a of the) distribution server system 20and the terminal device 10 of the viewer. An example of this chatfunction is shown in FIG. 24 referred earlier. When the object data istransmitted to the terminal device 10 of the viewer via such chatfunction, the terminal device 10 can display the information 602Y in achat window 604Y as shown in FIG. 24 using the received object data. Useof this chat function enables the terminal device 10 to transmit/receivea message 606Y to/from another viewer (here, viewer Y) and/or adistributor (here, distributor A).

Alternatively, the object data may be transmitted to the terminal device10 of the viewer as data included in the second video, data included inthe first video, and/or data included in the motion data. Here, the“motion data” can be transmitted from the terminal device 10 of thedistributor to the terminal device 10 of the viewer via the distributionserver system 20. The terminal device 10 of the viewer having receivedthe “motion data” can generate the first video by using this “motiondata” in accordance with a method (see 3-1. (1) above) similar to theone with which the terminal device 10 of the distributor generates thefirst video.

In the various embodiments described above, the case in which in orderto generate a video (second video) regarding the game, the terminaldevice 10 of the distributor receives, from the web server device 20B,an HTML (HTML5, in particular) document in which a game program isincorporated has been described. However, instead of the configurationof receiving, from the web server device 20B, an HTML document in whicha game program is incorporated, the terminal device 10 of thedistributor can also generate the second video including a screenregarding the game by executing the installed video distributionapplication and receiving appropriate data from a data server device notillustrated (or a certain server device not illustrated included in thedistribution server system 20A).

In the various embodiments described above, the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor may be a smartphone or the like used by a general user,or may be a dedicated terminal device installed in a studio or the like.In this case, at least one server device of the distribution serverdevice 2000 a, the DB server device 2000 b, and the game API serverdevice 2000 c that are included in the distribution server system 20A(as well as the web server device 20B) may be provided together with thededicated terminal device in the studio or the like.

In the various embodiments described above, the case in which, on thebasis of motion data regarding the motion of the distributor and voicedata regarding the voice of the distributor, the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor generates the first video including the animationincluding the avatar of this distributor, and transmits the first videoto the server device 20 has been described. However, the terminal device10 of the distributor may transmit the motion data regarding the motionof the distributor and the voice data regarding the voice of thedistributor to the server device 20, and the server device 20 maygenerate a video on the basis of the motion data and the voice data anddistribute the video to the terminal device 10 of each viewer. This canreduce the amount of data transmitted from the terminal device 10 of thedistributor to the distribution server system 20A.

Alternatively, the terminal device 10 of the distributor may transmitthe motion data regarding the motion of the distributor and the voicedata regarding the voice of the distributor to a separately providedserver device, this separate server device may generate a video on thebasis of the motion data and the voice data and return it to theterminal device 10 of the distributor, and the terminal device 10 of thedistributor may transmit the received video to the server device 20.This can reduce the amount of data transmitted from the terminal device10 of the distributor to the separately provided server device 20.

Furthermore, the terminal device 10 of the distributor may transmit themotion data regarding the motion of the distributor and the voice dataregarding the voice of the distributor to the terminal device 10 of eachviewer via the server device 20 or the separately provided serverdevice, and the terminal device 10 of each viewer may generate (render)and display a video on the basis of the received motion data and voicedata (this technique is sometimes referred to as “client rendering”).This can reduce the amount of data transmitted from the server device 20or the separately provided server device to the terminal device 10 ofeach viewer.

In any of the above cases, the generation of a video on the basis of themotion data and the voice data transmitted by the terminal device 10 ofthe distributor may be shared by at least two devices from among theserver device 20, the separate server device, and the terminal device 10of each viewer. In either case, the device responsible for generation ofthe video can receive, from, for example, the server device 20 or thelike, and store data (image and the like) regarding the avatar to beoperated.

Furthermore, in any case, the token data, comment data, and/orevaluation-related data transmitted by the terminal device 10 of eachviewer can be transmitted by a discretionary method to a deviceresponsible for generation of a video from among the server device 20,the separate server device, and the terminal device 10 of each viewer.Thus, the device generating the video can execute processing on thebasis of received token data (e.g., displaying the token object in thevideo), execute processing on the basis of received comment data (e.g.,displaying the comment in the video), and/or execute processing on thebasis of received evaluation-related data (e.g., displaying theevaluation in the video). In either case, the device responsible forgeneration of the video can receive, from, for example, the serverdevice 20 or the like, and store data (image and the like) correspondingto various tokens to be used.

In the various embodiments described above, the motion of each of theterminal devices 10 described above can be executed similarly by thestudio unit 30 having a similar configuration to that of the terminaldevice 10. In this case, the studio unit 30A illustrated in FIG. 17 canhave a similar function to that of the terminal device 10 fordistributing a video. Similarly, the studio unit 30B illustrated in FIG.17 can have a similar function to that of the terminal device 10 forviewing a video. The motion of each of the server devices 20 describedabove can be executed also by the studio unit 30 having the similarconfiguration to that of the server device 20.

In general, if a game program has been installed in the terminal device10, or if a game program has been incorporated in a video distributionapplication installed in the terminal device 10, execution of a new gamerequires the terminal device 10 to have a new game program or videodistribution application incorporating the new game program installed.In this case, from the point of view of the creator of the game program,it is necessary to prepare a game program corresponding to each of aplurality of operating systems, and thus there is a problem of anincrease in the man-hour used for the creation of the game program. Onthe other hand, from the point of view of the user, it is necessary todownload a new game program and/or to update an existing game program inorder to obtain a new game, and thus there is a problem of requiringcommunication load, communication cost, time, and labor.

On the other hand, according to the technology disclosed in the presentapplication, in order to execute the game, the terminal device 10A ofthe distributor can call the browser function incorporated in the videodistribution application, instead of executing the game programinstalled in this terminal device 10A, can receive a web page (HTMLdocument, particularly HTML5 document) from the web server device 20B byusing this browser function, and can execute the game programincorporated in the web page. This allows the terminal device 10A of thedistributor to easily execute the new game. Therefore, when providing anew game, the creator of the game program only has to incorporate thenew game program into the web page (HTML document, particularly HTML5document) transmitted by the web server device 20B, and it is hencepossible to reduce the number of man-hours used for creation of the newgame program. Furthermore, since the user does not need to download anew game program or the like in order to be provided with the new game,it is possible to suppress communication load, communication cost, time,and labor.

In the above-described various embodiments, when executing the videodistribution application, communicating with the distribution serversystem 20A, and distributing the first video, the terminal device 10A ofthe distributor A executes the browser function incorporated in thisvideo distribution application, whereby the terminal device 10A of thedistributor A executes the program included in the web page receivedfrom the web server device 20B, and distributes the second video to theterminal device 10 of each viewer via the distribution server system20A. However, such configuration is merely an example.

For example, the terminal device 10A of the distributor A can alsodistribute the second video without distributing the first video.Specifically, in the first example, by executing the video distributionapplication and executing the browser function incorporated in the videodistribution application, the terminal device 10A of the distributor Acan execute a program included in the web page received from the webserver device 20B (without distributing the first video by using thevideo distribution application), and distribute the second video to theterminal device 10 of each viewer via the distribution server system20A. In this configuration, the distributor A does not distribute thefirst video on the basis of the performance of the distributor himselfbut can distribute only the second video showing the situation of thegame that the distributor himself executes.

In the second example, by executing an installed game application andaccessing the distribution server system 20A, which also functions as agame server device, the terminal device 10A of the distributor A candistribute the screen of the game being executed to the terminal device10 of each viewer via the distribution server system 20A. Also in thesefirst and second examples, as in the various embodiments describedabove, the terminal device 10A of the distributor A can generate thesecond video by using the token data, the comment data, and/or the likereceived from the distribution server system 20A.

In the third example, in the first example or the second example, theterminal device 10A of the distributor A can transmit operation data ofthe distributor A to the web server device 20B or the distributionserver system 20A without generating a game screen. In this case, theweb server device 20B or the distribution server system 20A can generatea game screen by using the operation data, and the distribution serversystem 20A can distribute the second video including the generated gamescreen to the terminal device 10 of each viewer. In this third example,when generating a game screen, the web server device 20B can use thetoken data, comment data, and/or the like received from the distributionserver system 20A. When the distribution server system 20A generates agame screen, the distribution server system 20A can use token dataand/or comment data managed by the distribution server system 20Aitself.

In the various embodiments described above, in relation to ST326Y, acase has been explained in which if each viewer views the second videodistributed by the distributor A, the (object data management unit 230Yof the) distribution server device 2000 a can select, as an acquiredgame object to be given to each viewer, a game object designated by thedistributor A himself from among the plurality of game objects. In thisregard, for example, the terminal device 10 of the distributor A and the(object data management unit 230Y of the) distribution server device2000 a can execute processing in accordance with the followingprocedure.

(1) First, using the terminal device 10A, the distributor A can accessthe (object data management unit 230Y of the) distribution server device2000 a of the distribution server system 20A before, during, or afterthe distribution of the second video.

(2) The (object data management unit 230Y of the) distribution serverdevice 2000 a can transmit, to the terminal device 10A of thedistributor A, data regarding the distributable game object group set bythe management side of the video distribution system 1 and/or the gameobject group held by the distributor A. The “game object group” as usedherein can include items, equipment, points, rewards, coins, cards,and/or characters without being limited to them.

(3) By using the terminal device 10A, the distributor A can select agame object he desires to distribute to each viewer from the game objectgroup displayed on the terminal device 10A in accordance with thereceived data. Thus, the terminal device 10A can transmit data regardingthe game object selected by the distributor A to the (object datamanagement unit 230Y of the) distribution server device 2000 a.

(4) In accordance with the received data, the (object data managementunit 230Y of the) distribution server device 2000 a can transmit, to theterminal device 10 of the distributor A, data (e.g., whetherconsideration is necessary, or the amount of consideration) regardingthe consideration for distributing the game object selected by thedistributor A.

(5) After confirming the information displayed by the terminal device10A in accordance with the received data, the distributor A can pay theconsideration by using the terminal device 10A by a method such as coinsettlement, point settlement, credit card settlement, and/or prepaidcard settlement, if the consideration is necessary.

Focusing on the coin settlement, each user including the distributor Acan purchase coins (no limitation in this name) via the videodistribution system 1 in advance by using the terminal device 10. Byusing the terminal device 10A, the distributor A can pay theconsideration by selecting consuming the coins corresponding to theconsideration.

Focusing on the point settlement, each user including the distributor Acan obtain points (no limitation in this name) free of charge by, viathe video distribution system 1, viewing a video distributed by anotherdistributor and/or distributing the video by himself. By using theterminal device 10A, the distributor A can pay the consideration byselecting consuming the points corresponding to the consideration.

In the various embodiments described above, in the above-describedST326Y, the case where the distribution server device 2000 a of thedistribution server system 20A transmits object data to the terminaldevice 10A of the distributor and/or the terminal device 10 of eachviewer has been described. However, in another embodiment, by anoperator on the management side of the video distribution system 1and/or the distributor A himself, the (object data management unit 230Yof the) distribution server device 2000 a may switch, via a userinterface, for example, whether to actually distribute (distribute ON)or not (distribute OFF), to the terminal device 10 of each viewer, eachof the one or a plurality of acquired game objects set by the managementside of the video distribution system 1 and/or the distributor Ahimself. In this case, in ST326Y, the (object data management unit 230Yof the) distribution server device 2000 a can transmit, to the terminaldevice 10A of the distributor and/or the terminal device 10 of eachviewer, only one or more acquired game objects set as distribution ONfrom among the plurality of acquired game objects.

As will be readily understood to a person of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the present disclosure, the various examplesdescribed above can be used in various suitable combinations with eachother as long as they do not cause inconsistencies.

As described above, according to the technique disclosed in the presentapplication, when the viewer views (receives) the second videodistributed by the distributor, the viewer is given a game object thatcan be used when executing a specific game as a subsequent distributor.Therefore, the viewer can be encouraged to view the second video. Theviewer is given a better game object by taking a more active motion whenviewing the second video. Therefore, the viewer can be encouraged toview more actively the second video. As a result, it is possible topromote the use of the video distribution system by the viewer.

Thus, the technology disclosed in the present application can provide acomputer program, a method, and a server device that can encourageviewers to view videos distributed by distributors.

6. Various Aspects.

A computer program according to a first aspect of the disclosedtechnology can be “a computer program configured to, when executed by atleast one processor mounted on a terminal device of a viewer, cause theat least one processor to: receive a first video including an animationof an avatar of a distributor generated on the basis of motion datarelated to motion of the distributor, or the motion data, via acommunication line; receive a second video related to a game generatedby a terminal device of the distributor on the basis of operation datarelated to operation of the distributor using a received web page;determine if the terminal device of the viewer has received objectinformation regarding an acquired game object available in a selectedgame by the viewer as a subsequent distributor, the acquired game objectbeing given to the viewer having received the second video; and displaythat the acquired game object is available in the selected game if theterminal device of the viewer is determined to have received the objectinformation.”

In the computer program according to a second aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the computer program is configured to cause the at leastone processor to: distribute a third video including an animation of anavatar of the subsequent distributor generated on the basis of motiondata related to motion of the subsequent distributor or the motion data,toward terminal devices of a plurality of viewers via the communicationline; distribute a fourth video related to the selected game generatedon the basis of operation data related to operation of the subsequentdistributor using a received web page; and display the acquired gameobject in the selected game on the basis of the object information” inthe first aspect.

In the computer program according to a third aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the computer program is configured to cause the at leastone processor to receive the object information through a functionenabling message communication between the terminal device of the viewerand a server device configured to receive the second video from theterminal device of the distributor and distribute the second video tothe terminal device of the viewer” in one of the preceding aspects.

In the computer program according to a fourth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the acquired game object includes an item, equipment, apoint, a reward, a coin, a card, and/or, a character” in one of thepreceding aspects.

In the computer program according to a fifth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the acquired game object is selected out of a plurality ofgame objects by the distributor or a server device configured to receivethe second video from the terminal device of the distributor anddistribute the second video to the terminal device of the viewer” in oneof the preceding aspects.

In the computer program according to a sixth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the selected game is the same as or is different from thegame played by the distributor” in one of the preceding aspects.

In the computer program according to a seventh aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the acquired game object is set on the basis of a degree ofinvolvement of the viewer in viewing the second video” in one of thepreceding aspects.

In the computer program according to an eighth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the acquired game object is set on the basis of at leastone of a timing on which the viewer has viewed the second video; a totaltime that the viewer has viewed the second video; and giving informationindicative of giving a gift, a comment, and/or, an evaluation to thedistributor, the giving information having been sent from the terminaldevice of the viewer to the terminal device of the distributor” in theseventh aspect.

In the computer program according to a ninth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the acquired game object is the same as an acquired gameobject available for the distributor in the selected game, the acquiredgame object available for the distributor being given to the distributorhaving executed the game to be displayed in the second video” in one ofthe preceding aspects.

In the computer program according to a tenth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the acquired game object given to the viewer havingreceived the second video distributed by the distributor is the same asor is different from the acquired game object given to the viewer havingreceived the second video distributed by another distributor other thanthe distributor” in one of the preceding aspects.

In the computer program according to an eleventh aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in one of thepreceding aspects.

In the computer program according to a twelfth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

A method according to a thirteenth aspect of the disclosed technologycan be “a method executed by at least one processor mounted on aterminal device of a viewer executing computer-readable instructions,including: with the at least one processor executing the instructions,receiving a first video including an animation of an avatar of adistributor generated on the basis of motion data related to motion ofthe distributor, or the motion data, via a communication line; receivinga second video related to a game generated by a terminal device of thedistributor on the basis of operation data related to operation of thedistributor using a received web page; determining if the terminaldevice of the viewer has received object information regarding anacquired game object available in a selected game by the viewer as asubsequent distributor, the acquired game object being given to theviewer having received the second video; and displaying that theacquired game object is available in the selected game if the terminaldevice of the viewer is determined to have received the objectinformation.”

In the computer program according to a fourteenth aspect of thedisclosed technology, “the communication line includes the Internet” inthe thirteenth aspect.

In the computer program according to a fifteenth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

A server device according to a sixteenth aspect of the disclosedtechnology can be “a server device comprising at least one processor,wherein the at least one processor is configured to: distribute a firstvideo including an animation of an avatar of a distributor generated onthe basis of motion data related to motion of the distributor or themotion data, toward a terminal device of a viewer via a communicationline; distribute a second video related to a game generated on the basisof operation data related to operation of the distributor by a terminaldevice of the distributor using a received web page, toward the terminaldevice of the viewer via the communication line; and transmit, to theterminal device of the viewer, object information regarding an acquiredgame object available by the viewer as a subsequent distributor in aselected game, the acquired game object having being given to the viewerhaving received the second video.”

In the server device according to a seventeenth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor is configured to give theacquired game object to the viewer in response to: an event that theserver device has started distributing the second video to the terminaldevice of the viewer; an event that the server device has finisheddistributing the second video to the terminal device of the viewer; oran event that the viewer has done a predetermined action with respect toviewing of the second video during the server device being distributingthe second video to the terminal device of the viewer” in the sixteenthaspect.

In the server device according to an eighteenth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in one of thepreceding aspects.

In the server device according to a nineteenth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

A server device according to a twentieth aspect of the disclosedtechnology can be “a server device comprising at least one processor,wherein the at least one processor is configured to transmit a web pageincluding a computer program to a terminal device of a viewer, whereinthe terminal device of the viewer is configured to: receive a firstvideo including an animation of an avatar of a distributor generated onthe basis of motion date related to motion of the distributor or themotion data, via a communication line; receive a second video related toa game generated by a terminal device of the distributor on the basis ofoperation data related to operation of the distributor using a receivedweb page, via the communication line; determine if the terminal deviceof the viewer has received object information regarding an acquired gameobject available in a selected game by the viewer as a subsequentdistributor, the acquired game object being given to the viewer havingreceived the second video; display that the acquired game object isavailable in the selected game if the terminal device of the viewer isdetermined to have received the object information; distribute a thirdvideo including an animation of an avatar of the subsequent distributorgenerated on the basis of motion data related to motion of thesubsequent distributor, toward terminal devices of a plurality ofviewers via the communication line; and distribute a fourth videorelated to the selected game generated on the basis of operation datarelated to operation of the subsequent distributor using a received webpage, toward the terminal devices of the plurality of viewers via thecommunication line, wherein the computer program is configured to causethe terminal device of the viewer to display the acquired game object inthe selected game on the basis of the object information.”

In the server device according to a twenty first aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in thetwentieth aspect.

In the server device according to a twenty second aspect of thedisclosed technology, “the at least one processor includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processingunit (GPU)” in one of the preceding aspects.

A method according to a twenty third aspect of the disclosed technologycan be “a method executed by at least one processor executingcomputer-readable instructions, including, with the at least oneprocessor executing the instructions, distributing a first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of a distributor generated on thebasis of motion data related to motion of the distributor or the motiondata, toward a terminal device of a viewer via a communication line;distributing a second video related to a game generated on the basis ofoperation data related to operation of the distributor by a terminaldevice of the distributor using a received web page, toward the terminaldevice of the viewer via the communication line; and transmitting, tothe terminal device of the viewer, object information regarding anacquired game object available by the viewer as a subsequent distributorin a selected game, the acquired game object having being given to theviewer having received the second video.”

In the method according to a twenty fourth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the method includes transmitting, to the terminal device ofthe viewer, the object information as one of: information included inthe second video; information included in the first video; andinformation included in the motion data” in the twenty third aspect.

In the method according to a twenty fifth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in one of thepreceding aspects.

In the method according to a twenty sixth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

A method according to a twenty seventh aspect of the disclosedtechnology can be “a method executed by at least one processor executingcomputer-readable instructions, including, with the at least oneprocessor executing the instructions, transmitting a web page includinga computer program to a terminal device of a viewer, wherein theterminal device of the viewer is configured to: receive a first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of a distributor generated on thebasis of motion date related to motion of the distributor or the motiondata, via a communication line; receive a second video related to a gamegenerated by a terminal device of the distributor on the basis ofoperation data related to operation of the distributor using a receivedweb page, via the communication line; determine if the terminal deviceof the viewer has received object information regarding an acquired gameobject available in a selected game by the viewer as a subsequentdistributor, the acquired game object being given to the viewer havingreceived the second video; display that the acquired game object isavailable in the selected game if the terminal device of the viewer isdetermined to have received the object information; distribute a thirdvideo including an animation of an avatar of the subsequent distributorgenerated on the basis of motion data related to motion of thesubsequent distributor, toward terminal devices of a plurality ofviewers via the communication line; and distribute a fourth videorelated to the selected game generated on the basis of operation datarelated to operation of the subsequent distributor using a received webpage, toward the terminal devices of the plurality of viewers via thecommunication line, wherein the computer program is configured to causethe terminal device of the viewer to display the acquired game object inthe selected game on the basis of the object information.”

In the method according to a twenty eighth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the communication line includes the Internet” in the twentyseventh aspect.

In the method according to a twenty ninth aspect of the disclosedtechnology, “the at least one processor includes a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, and/or, a graphics processing unit (GPU)”in one of the preceding aspects.

IV. Notes

1. Numbers in Front of Two Types of Video

In the present application, the numbers such as “first”, “second”,“third”, “fourth”, “fifth”, and “sixth”, etc. can be used to identifytwo types of videos distributed by each user. A first type of video isthe one which includes an animation of an avatar of a user generated onthe basis of the motion data related to the user, whereas a second typeof video is the one related to a computer-implemented game generated onthe basis of the operation data related to the same user.

Focusing on a case where a first distributor (first user) distributesthe two types of videos, the first type of video distributed by thefirst distributor can be called a “first video”, whereas the second typeof video distributed by the first distributor can be called a “secondvideo”.

Then, focusing on a case where a second distributor (second user)distributes the two types of videos, the first type of video distributedby the second distributor can be called a “third video”, whereas thesecond type of video distributed by the second distributor can be calleda “fourth video”. The second distributor can be a user who can view atleast one of the two types of videos distributed by the firstdistributor.

Also, focusing on a case where a third distributor (third user)distributes the two types of videos, the first type of video distributedby the third distributor can be called a “fifth video”, whereas thesecond type of video distributed by the third distributor can be calleda “sixth video”. The third distributor can be a user who can view atleast one of the two types of videos distributed by the firstdistributor and/or the second distributor.

In this connection, the numbers such as “first”, “second”, “third”,“fourth”, “fifth”, and “sixth”, etc. are just examples. The othernumbers and/or letters can be used to identify the two types of videosdistributed by each user.

2. Numbers in Front of “Motion Data” and “Operation Data”

In the present application, the numbers such as “first”, “second”, and“third”, etc. can be used to identify the motion data/operation datagenerated with respect to each user.

Focusing on a case where the first distributor (first user) distributesthe two types of videos, the motion data used to generate the first typeof video distributed by the first distributor can be called “firstmotion data”, whereas the operation data used to generate the secondtype of video distributed by the first distributor can be called “firstoperation data”.

Then, focusing on a case where the second distributor (second user)distributes the two types of videos, the motion data used to generatethe first type of video distributed by the second distributor can becalled “second motion data”, whereas the operation data used to generatethe second type of video distributed by the second distributor can becalled “second operation data”.

Also, focusing on a case where the third distributor (third user)distributes the two types of videos, the motion data used to generatethe first type of video distributed by the third distributor can becalled “third motion data”, whereas the operation data used to generatethe second type of video distributed by the third distributor can becalled “third operation data”.

In this connection, the numbers such as “first”, “second”, and “third”,etc. are just examples. The other numbers and/or letters can be used toidentify the motion data/operation data generated with respect to eachuser.

3. Combination of First and Second Embodiments

The above-mentioned first and second embodiments can be combined withone another. In this case, for example, as the “viewer data regarding atleast one viewer” described in the first embodiment, the “viewing dataregarding viewing of the at least one viewer” described in the secondembodiment can be used. Any examples included in the first and secondembodiments can be combined with one another.

4. Combination of First and Third Embodiments

The above-mentioned first and third embodiments can be combined with oneanother. In this case, for example, any distributor in the firstembodiment can then be any viewer (subsequent distributor) described inthe third embodiment.

In addition or alternatively, the terminal device of any viewerdescribed in the third embodiment can view the video related to the gamedistributed by any distributor described in the first embodiment toreceive object data (acquire a selected game object).

In addition or alternatively, the terminal device of any distributordescribed in the first embodiment can receive viewer data regarding atleast one viewer described in the third embodiment.

Any other examples included in the first and third embodiments can becombined with one another.

5. Combination of Second and Third Embodiments

The above-mentioned second and third embodiments can be combined withone another. In this case, for example, any distributor in the secondembodiment can then be any viewer (subsequent distributor) described inthe third embodiment.

In addition or alternatively, the terminal device of any viewerdescribed in the third embodiment can view the video related to the gamedistributed by any distributor described in the second embodiment toreceive object data (acquire a selected game object).

In addition or alternatively, the terminal device of any distributordescribed in the second embodiment can receive viewer data regarding atleast one viewer described in the third embodiment.

Any other examples included in the second and third embodiments can becombined with one another.

6. Combination of First, Second, and Third Embodiments

From Section IV, 3-5 above, a person having ordinary skill in the artwould understand that the above-mentioned first, second, and thirdembodiments can be combined with one another. Any other examplesincluded in the above-mentioned first, second and third embodiments canbe combined with one another.

FIG. 27 illustrates a generalized example of a suitable computingenvironment 2700 in which described embodiments, techniques, andtechnologies can be implemented. For example, the computing environment2700 can implement any of the terminal devices or servers, as describedherein.

The computing environment 2700 is not intended to suggest any limitationas to scope of use or functionality of the technology, as the technologymay be implemented in diverse general-purpose or special-purposecomputing environments. For example, the disclosed technology may beimplemented with other computer system configurations, including handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, and the like. The disclosed technology may also be practicedin distributed computing environments where tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

With reference to FIG. 27, the computing environment 2700 includes atleast one processing unit 2710 and memory 2720. In FIG. 27, this mostbasic configuration 2730 is included within a dashed line. Theprocessing unit 2710 executes computer-executable instructions and maybe a real or a virtual processor. The processing unit 2710 can be ageneral purpose central processing unit, a graphics processing unit orother specialized processing unit, or a combination of general purposeand specialized processing units. In a multi-processing system, multipleprocessing units execute computer-executable instructions to increaseprocessing power and as such, multiple processors can be runningsimultaneously. The memory 2720 may be volatile memory (e.g., registers,cache, RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory,etc.), or some combination of the two. The memory 2720 stores software2780, images, and video that can, for example, implement thetechnologies described herein. A computing environment may haveadditional features. For example, the computing environment 2700includes storage 2740, one or more input devices 2750, one or moreoutput devices 2760, and one or more communication connections 2770. Aninterconnection mechanism (not shown) such as a bus, a controller, or anetwork, interconnects the components of the computing environment 2700.Typically, operating system software (not shown) provides an operatingenvironment for other software executing in the computing environment2700, and coordinates activities of the components of the computingenvironment 2700.

The storage 2740 may be removable or non-removable, and includesmagnetic disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, DVDs, orany other medium which can be used to store information and that can beaccessed within the computing environment 2700. The storage 2740 storesinstructions for the software 2780, plugin data, and messages, which canbe used to implement technologies described herein.

The input device(s) 2750 may be a touch input device, such as akeyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screen display, pen, or trackball, avoice input device, a camera, an image sensor, a scanning device, oranother device, that provides input to the computing environment 2700.For audio, the input device(s) 2750 may be a sound card or similardevice that accepts audio input in analog or digital form, or a CD-ROMreader that provides audio samples to the computing environment 2700.The output device(s) 2760 may be a display, printer, speaker, CD-writer,or another device that provides output from the computing environment2700.

The communication connection(s) 2770 enable communication over acommunication medium (e.g., a connecting network) to another computingentity. The communication medium conveys information such ascomputer-executable instructions, compressed graphics information,video, or other data in a modulated data signal. The communicationconnection(s) 2770 are not limited to wired connections (e.g., megabitor gigabit Ethernet, Infiniband, Fibre Channel over electrical or fiberoptic connections) but also include wireless technologies (e.g., RFconnections via Bluetooth, WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/b/n), WiMax, cellular,satellite, laser, infrared) and other suitable communication connectionsfor providing a network connection for the disclosed terminal devicesand servers. In a virtual host environment, the communication(s)connections can be a virtualized network connection provided by thevirtual host.

Some embodiments of the disclosed methods can be performed usingcomputer-executable instructions implementing all or a portion of thedisclosed technology in a computing cloud 2790. For example, terminalservers can be processing motion data and video in the computingenvironment while web pages and operation data processing can beperformed on servers located in the computing cloud 2790.

Computer-readable media are any available media that can be accessedwithin a computing environment 2700. By way of example, and notlimitation, with the computing environment 2700, computer-readable mediainclude memory 2720 and/or storage 2740. As should be readilyunderstood, the term computer-readable storage media includes the mediafor data storage such as memory 2720 and storage 2740, and nottransmission media such as modulated data signals.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thedisclosed subject matter may be applied, it should be recognized thatthe illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should notbe taken as limiting the scope of the scope of the claims to thosepreferred examples. Rather, the scope of the claimed subject matter isdefined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention allthat comes within the scope of these claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Computer-readable storage media storingcomputer-readable instructions, which when executed by a computer havingat least one processor, cause the computer to: generate first motiondata; distribute, toward terminal devices of a plurality of viewers viaa communication line, the first motion data or a first video includingan animation of an avatar of a first distributor generated on the basisof the first motion data; receive a web page via the communication line;receive first operation data from a user interface; generate a secondvideo related to a computer-implemented game on the basis of the firstoperation data by using the received web page; distribute the secondvideo toward the terminal devices of the plurality of viewer via thecommunication line; receive, via the communication line, viewer dataregarding at least one viewer of the plurality of viewers; extract aselected game object out of a plurality of game objects to be used inthe game; calculate a control parameter related to the selected gameobject on the basis of the viewer data; generate the second videoincluding the selected game object; and distribute, via thecommunication line, the second video toward the terminal devices of theplurality of viewers.
 2. The computer-readable storage media accordingto claim 1, wherein the at least one viewer of the plurality of viewerseach is able to become a second distributor different from the firstdistributor; wherein the second distributor is able to distribute,toward the terminal devices of the plurality of viewers via thecommunication line, second motion data or a third video including ananimation of an avatar of the second distributor generated on the basisof the second motion data, and/or, a fourth video regarding acomputer-implemented game generated on the basis of second operationdata by using a received web page; and wherein the viewer data includedata regarding the second distributor who has distributed the secondmotion data or the third video, and/or, the fourth video.
 3. Thecomputer-readable storage media according to claim 2, wherein the dataregarding the second distributor include avatar data regarding theavatar of the second distributor, and/or, game data regarding the gameplayed by the second distributor.
 4. The computer-readable storage mediaaccording to claim 3, wherein the avatar data include data regarding anattribute of the avatar of the second distributor or an item attached orgiven to the avatar.
 5. The computer-readable storage media according toclaim 3, wherein the game data include progress data indicating progressof the game played by the second distributor.
 6. The computer-readablestorage media according to claim 1, wherein the selected game object isa game object acquired or operated by the first distributor in the gameplayed by the first distributor.
 7. The computer-readable storage mediaaccording to claim 6, wherein the selected game object includes an item,equipment, a point, a reward, a coin, a card, a character, and/or anavatar.
 8. The computer-readable storage media according to claim 1,wherein the viewer data include at least one viewing parameter regardingviewing of the at least one viewer, and wherein the instructions furthercause the computer to: calculate a control parameter related to theselected game object on the basis of the at least one viewing parameter;generate the second video including the selected game object; anddistribute, via the communication line, the second video toward theterminal devices of the plurality of viewers.
 9. The computer-readablestorage media according to claim 1, wherein the at least one viewingparameter includes a total number of the plurality of viewers, viewingtime of the at least one viewer, or a frequency with which the at leastone viewer viewed the second video distributed by the first distributor.10. The computer-readable storage media according to claim 9, wherein:the at least one viewing parameter is the total number of the pluralityof viewers; and the instructions further cause the computer to calculatea control parameter related to the game object acquired or operated bythe first distributor on the basis of the total number to: reduce adifficulty level of the game played by the first distributor, allow thefirst distributor to acquire a more game object, or allow the firstdistributor to acquire a more valuable game object.
 11. Thecomputer-readable storage media according to claim 8, wherein theinstructions further cause the computer to: receive giving dataindicative of giving a token, a comment, or an evaluation to the firstdistributor transmitted by a terminal device of any viewer out of theplurality of viewers; and calculate, on the basis of the giving data, acontrol parameter related to the game object to be used in the gameplayed by the first distributor.
 12. The computer-readable storage mediaaccording to claim 8, wherein the instructions further cause thecomputer to: obtain a total number of the plurality of viewers for eachunit time from a server device distributing the second video to theplurality of viewers and update the total number; and display, in thegame played by the first distributor, the updated total number or a gameobject set on the basis of the updated total number.
 13. Thecomputer-readable storage media according to claim 1, wherein theinstructions further cause the computer to: receive, from a terminaldevice of a third distributor via the communication line, third motiondata or a fifth video including an animation of an avatar of the thirddistributor generated on the basis of the third motion data; receive,via the communication line, a sixth video related to acomputer-implemented game generated by the terminal device of the thirddistributor on the basis of third operation data by using a received webpage; determine if the computer has received object data regarding anacquired game object available by the first distributor in a selectedcomputer-implemented game, the acquired game object being able to begiven to the first distributor having received the sixth video; anddisplay a fact that the acquired game object is available in theselected game for the first distributor if the computer decides that thecomputer has received the object data.
 14. The computer-readable storagemedia according to claim 13, wherein the instructions further cause thecomputer to: generate the second video related to the selected game onthe basis of the first operation data by using the received web page;display the acquired game object in the selected game on the basis ofthe object data; and distribute the second video toward the terminaldevices of the plurality of viewer via the communication line.
 15. Thecomputer-readable storage media according to claim 13, wherein theinstructions further cause the computer to receive the object datathrough a function enabling message communication between the computerand a server device configured to receive the sixth video from theterminal device of the third distributor and distribute the sixth videoto the terminal devices of the plurality of viewers.
 16. Thecomputer-readable storage media according to claim 13, wherein theacquired game object is selected out of a plurality of game objects bythe third distributor or a server device configured to receive the sixthvideo from the terminal device of the third distributor and distributethe sixth video to the terminal devices of the plurality of viewers. 17.The computer-readable storage media according to claim 13, wherein themotion data is generated with an optical motion capture system.
 18. Acomputer-implemented method for automatically generating customizedvideo in an interactive network application, the method comprising: withat least one processor: generating first motion data with an imagesensor; distributing, toward terminal devices of a plurality of viewersvia a communication line, the first motion data or a first videoincluding an animation of an avatar of a first distributor generated onthe basis of the first motion data; receiving a web page via thecommunication line; receiving first operation data from a userinterface; generating a second video related to a computer-implementedgame on the basis of the first operation data by using the received webpage; distributing the second video toward the terminal devices of theplurality of viewer via the communication line; receiving, via thecommunication line, viewer data regarding at least one viewer of theplurality of viewers; extracting a selected game object out of aplurality of game objects to be used; calculating a control parameterrelated to the selected game object on the basis of the viewer data;generating the second video including the selected game object; anddistributing, via the communication line, the second video toward theterminal devices of the plurality of viewers.
 19. A terminal device,comprising: at least one processor coupled to a camera and acommunication network, wherein the at least one processor is configuredto: generate first motion data using the camera; distribute, towardterminal devices of a plurality of viewers via the communicationnetwork, the first motion data or a first video including an animationof an avatar of a first distributor generated on the basis of the firstmotion data; receive a web page via the communication network; receivefirst operation data from a user interface; generate a second videorelated to a computer-implemented game on the basis of first operationdata by using the received web page; distribute the second video towardthe terminal devices of the plurality of viewer via the communicationnetwork; receive, via the communication network, viewer data regardingat least one viewer of the plurality of viewers; extract a selected gameobject out of a plurality of game objects to be used in the game;calculate a control parameter related to the selected game object on thebasis of the viewer data; generate the second video including theselected game object; and distribute, via the communication network, thesecond video toward the terminal devices of the plurality of viewers.20. A system, comprising: the terminal device of claim 19; and a serverdevice coupled to the terminal device via the communication network, theserver device being configured to send the second video to the terminaldevices of the plurality of viewers.